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TRIBUTE 






TO THE MEMORY OF 



James McNaughton, M.D., 



OF 



ALBANY, M\ Y. 



ALBANY, N. Y. : 
VAN BENTHUYSEN PRINTING HOUSE. 

1875. 



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DIED. 



IN PARIS, FRANCE, 



June 11th, 1874, 



JAMES McNAUGHTON, M.D., 



AGED 77 TEARS, 6 MONTHS. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



Albany Evening Journal, July 1th, 1874. 

The funeral of Dr. James McNaughton took place 
this afternoon, and, it is needless to say, was very 
largely attended. After a short service at the res- 
idence of the deceased, on North Pearl street, tlic 
remains were borne to the Congregational church 
on Eagle street, of which the Doctor was for many 
years a member. The spacious edifice was filled 
with the friends of the deceased, who were grateful 
for the opportunity of paying the last tribute ol 
respect to one of Albany's oldest and most honored 
citizens — a man of distinguished professional worth 
and of spotless character. 

The following gentlemen acted as pall-bearers : 
E. P. Prentice, Esq., Hon. Ira Harris, James H. 
Armsby, M.D., Thomas Hun, M.D., Andrew E. 
Brown, Esq., J. P. Boyd, M.D., P. P. Staats, M.D., 
Thomas McCredie, Esq., Hon. Bradford II. Wood. 
Gen. John Tayler Cooper, William McElroy, Esq., 
George Dexter, Esq. 



6 

The Albany County Medical Society, of which 
the deceased was for so long a time an active and 
most distinguished member, attended the funeral 
in a body. The members of the St. Andrews So- 
ciety, who, it will be remembered, presented Dr. 
McNaughton with a token of their regard directly 
before he sailed for Europe, were also present. 
There were present besides in the church nearly 
all the Protestant clergymen of the city, and very 
many other of our best known citizens. 

The pulpit was occupied by the pastor of the 
church, Rev. W. S. Smart, D.D., and Revs. E. 
Halley, D.D., R. W. Clark, D.D., and John James, 
D.D. 

The remains were deposited directly in front of 
the pulpit, and on the coffin lid was placed a pro- 
fusion of white flowers, the gift of loving friends. 

The most noticeable of the floral offerings were a 
cross and a crown — the symbols of hope and tri- 
umph. 

The services commenced by singing the beautiful 
hymn — written by Dr. Ray Palmer, a former pas- 
tor of the deceased — 

My faith looks up to Thee, 
Thou Lamb of Calvary, 

Saviour divine. 
Now hear me while I pray, 
Take all my sins away, 
And let me from this day 

Be wholly thine. 



When ends life's transient dream, 
When death's cold, sullen stream 

Shall o'er me roll, 
Blest Saviour then, in love, 
Fear and distrust remove — 
bear me safe above, 

A ransomed soul. 

Rev. Dr. Clark, of the First Reformed Church, 
then read selections from the Scriptures, after which, 
in a few sentences, he expressed his respect and ad- 
miration for the character, talents and attainments 
of the deceased. 

Rev. Dr. Halley, of the Third Presbyterian 
Church, followed with an impressive prayer. 

Rev. Dr. Smart then spoke at some length of the 
character and services of the deceased, truthfully 
and tenderly delineating his leading characteristics. 
He dwelt upon his professional and private worth, 
and the beautiful Christian virtues which he de- 
veloped. 

A prayer by Dr. James, and a benediction, con- 
cluded the services. 

The remains were then taken to the Albany 
Rural Cemetery 



a 



THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE IN EVER 
LASTING REMEMBRANCE." 

Psalm cxii, 6. 



FUNERAL ADDRESS. 

BY REV. WILLIAM 8. SMART. D.D. 

The last services which love is permitted to offer 
to a departed friend are sad but precious. We do 
not care to realize at once how abruptly death ter- 
minates all service, and how utterly he carries our 
friends beyond all need of human help and sympa- 
thy. We act as if they were still present with us ; 
we bear ourselves with all the old-time tenderness ; 
we speak as if our words of praise were still music 
in their ear. It is the instinctive protest of our 
hearts against the power of death, whose victory 
would indeed be complete, could he at one stroke 
remove from our side the friend of years, and from 
our hearts the love those years has wrought. We 
protest, even in the presence of our bereavement, 
that there is still something left to love, that love 
dies not with the departure of its object. We realize 
that affection has still a duty to perform, not simply 
to the body which is soon to return to its kindred 
dust, but to that immortal spirit, which has been 
forever perfected by being freed from the bondage 

2 



10 

of the flesh. A new obligation at once discloses 
itself. We must gather up the precious memories 
so thickly strewn through the past years; the vir- 
tues upon which time and trial have set their seal ; 
the sweet affections which grew by age like " wines 
on the lees well refined." In these immaterial gar- 
ments we reclothe our dear ones after a fashion 
which death cannot touch. 

Thus love lives on in holy memories, which, sunk 
like deep wells in our heart, send up ever from their 
silent depths the limpid, refreshing waters that 
nourish a pure life. We are told that " the memory 
of the just shall be blessed," but we can never re- 
alize how true it is, until our life is thus made 
richer by its losses, and our joy is the joy which 
sorrow has purified. 

One of the most wonderful powers of our spiritual 
being is that which enables us to secure against all 
loss the blessed memories of the sainted dead, and 
to derive hope and instruction and purest inspira- 
tion from converse with the departed. There is a 
limit to the number of those whom we call friends 
by the actual contact of the bodily presence ; and 
there are sad restrictions imposed by the weakness 
and imperfection of the flesh upon the ordinary 
intercourse of life ; but there is no limit to the 
number of friends our hearts can cherish, and there 



11 

is no bound to that influence for good which they 
may exert upon us. 

It is many centuries since this record was made : 
" Then Abraham gave up the ghost and died in a 
good old age, an old man and full of years, and was 
gathered to his people.' Yet neither Abraham's 
name nor faith is dead. He lives, a power in thou- 
sands of hearts to-day. We bless God for the book 
which makes us acquainted with this saint of God, 
and which introduces the humblest reader into the 
noblest society which this earth has afforded, and 
makes their words and deeds the inspiration of no- 
bler, wider, sweeter lives. And so also we bless 
God for those personal friends, of whom we are yet 
sorrowfully forced to say, " The Lord gave and the 
Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the 
Lord." Hard words to utter, read them as we may ; 
but impossible words to realize, did they mean the 
complete sundering of life's dearest ties, the ex- 
tinction of those relations from which our life has 
drawn its richest strength. It is natural for us to 
miss the symbols of affection, the warm grasp of 
the hand, the kindly tone of voice, the sympathetic 
greeting of the eye ; but it is an infinite gain, when 
we learn through our sorrow, that we can know^and 
love without these material aids. 

This is the lessson, dear friends, which God is 
teaching us in our bereavement to-day, not to mourn 



12 

as if by our tears we could recall the dead, not to 
repine as if our loss were irreparable, but trustingly 
to pass on through the dark gateway of earthly sor- 
row to those eternal fields where communion is per- 
petual. 

The few moments that remain of this service will 
hardly suffice to discharge worthily the duty to 
which we are summoned by the death of our vener- 
able and honored friend and fellow citizen, but I 
am sure his long and faithful service in this com- 
munity, his well spent and useful life, will not be 
forgotten. This is a duty we owe, not to those 
who have long served us, but to ourselves. They 
have passed beyond all need of human praise. 
Neither honor nor neglect can disturb their repose. 
But to forget the good, to cast into speedy oblivion 
a pure sincere life, is ingratitude to that Infinite 
Goodness of whom all goodness is a reflection, and 
shows that we have ceased to honor those qualities 
of heart and mind which alone ennoble life. 

The death of a good man is no ordinary calamity 
to a community. In such a loss we must, however, 
bow submissively to Him who orders all things 
aright. But sadder still is the condition of a peo- 
ple when it can be said of them, " The righteous 
perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart. ,: It is 
every way fitting, therefore, that we should in this 
public service testify our respect to the memory 



13 

of one whose manner of life has been fully known 
in this city (luring years unusually protracted, and 
successful beyond what falls to the lot of most men. 
Dr. McNaughton, whose sudden death in Pari-, 
on June 1.1th, startled our community and saddened 
so many hearts, has " ceased from his labors.' It 
would be a sad commentary upon fidelity to duty, 
if we could not add, " and his works do follow him.' 
A few only of the more prominent lessons of his 
life can here be noticed. It is a very common 
mistake made by the world, in judging successful 
careers, to attribute them to good fortune, rather 
than to personal worth and merit. But while it is 
true that every man owes much to a kind Pro- 
vidence for personal gifts and opportunities, it is 
still true that as much depends upon a faithful 
improvement of what God gives. Our departed 
brother was fortunate in many things, and it is fit- 
ting that we recognize the goodness of the Giver 
of every good and perfect gift to him in these 
respects. He was fortunate in his birth and oppor- 
tunities for early education; fortunate in find- 
ing early occasions to shew his knowledge and 
skill; fortunate in the preservation of his powers 
down to an age when in most men they have greatly 
declined. But these alone do not explain his suc- 
cess, for that we must look to the diligent use and 



14 . 

cultivation of his powers which, through a long 
life, he so persistently pursued. 

Dr. James McNaughton was born December 10th, 
1796, in Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland. He re- 
ceived from his father a sound bodily constitution, 
good principles, and the indomitable spirit of a true 
Scotchman. He was a student in the parish school 
of Kenmore, and acquired the elements of a good 
education and the knowledge of Latin, enabling 
him always to read it with fluency. In 1812 he 
entered the Royal College of Surgeons of the 
University of Edinburgh, and for four years con- 
tinued his studies, receiving his diploma in 1816, 
bearing upon it such well known names in the 
history of Medicine as "Wishart," "Bell" and 
" Abercrombie." He continued his studies at Edin- 
burgh for another year. It had been his intention 
to enter the Navy, but the close of the Napoleonic 
wars defeated his purpose. Having accepted the 
position of surgeon on an emigrant ship, he landed 
on the 16th day of July, 1817, in Quebec, and soon 
after came on a visit to a distant relative residing 
in this city. Fortunately for himself, and for this 
community which he has so long served, he was 
persuaded to remain. He opened his office here in 
October, 1817, and for fifty-six years and eight 
months he continued to respond to all calls for 
medical services and advice. Soon after this and 



15 

while waiting for an opportunity to gain the con- 
fidence of the people of his new home, an incident 
occurred which greatly influenced his after life. 
The body of a criminal, who had been executed, 
was surrendered to the physicians of the city, and 
it was determined to give a course of lectures upon 
Anatomy with dissections. Dr. McNaughton was 
invited to begin ; others were to follow. But he 
showed such aptness and skill that he was requested 
to continue and finish the course. This was the 
beginning of his long service, as an instructor of 
others in medical science. In 1820 he was elected 
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the then 

flourishing school of medicine at Fairfield, in the 
western part of this State. He remained connected 

with this institution for twenty years. In 1840, 
the Albany Medical College having been success- 
fully established mainly through the persistent 
efforts of the late Dr. March, he was elected to the 
chair of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, and 
remained in the active discharge of the duties of this 
position until the time of his death. In March last 
he completed his fifty-third annual course of lec- 
tures. During this long period he had not missed 
a dozen lectures nor been confined a week to his 
home by illness. These dates give but a faint im- 
pression of the amount of work accomplished and 
the great influence exerted through such unwearied 



•16 

and imremitting labors. About 1,200 students have 
graduated from the Albany Medical College during 
his connection with it ; and, as near as can be 
ascertained, as many from the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in Fairfield. And to this large num- 
ber of 2,400 graduates is to be added double the 
number who have come under his instruction dur- 
ing part of their course, and graduated elsewhere. 
He was thus enabled to assist in the preparation of 
over 4,000 young men for the responsible and 
important duties of professional life. How impres- 
sive is the view of a teachers's influence here sug- 
gested. The early instructors of Dr. McNaughton 
have long since passed away from earth, but their 
influence, which was exerted so favorably in the 
formation of his mind and character, crossed an 
ocean and for more than half a century has been 
steadily flowing out upon others, many of whom in 
turn have become eminent and successful teachers. 
Thus the influence of the good and wise is not 
only perpetuated but is continually increased, and 
apparently shall remain while the race endures. 

Dr. McNaughton was an enthusiast in his profes- 
sion. He made it the great business of his life to 
attain skill and success in his chosen line of duty 
and usefulness. He revealed this purpose most 
clearly in the thorough preparation of his early 
years, and in the fidelity and devotion with which 



17 

he pursued it long after the bearing of its onerous 
duties were needed, either to bring fame or fortune. 
His period of service covers an age illustrious for 
the discoveries it has made, and for the advance- 
ments attained in the treatment of disease, yet 
while naturally conservative and careful in form- 
ing and changing opinions, he found time to en- 
large his knowledge by study and acquaintance 
with the latest theories of medicine. Among the 
oldest of physicians, and the oldest in service as an 
instructor, he yet was as young as any of his 
brethren in the love of the profession, in fidelity to 
its duties, in jealousy for its honor. And to this 
completeness of professional character he added 
those graces which rendered him esteemed as a 
man and a citizen, and beloved as a friend. Inde- 
pendent and fearless in maintaining his own opin- 
ions in face of opposition, he was dignified and 
honorable in all conflicts, and grew in the wisdom 
of charity for all, as years advanced. 

Beyond these qualities, which gained for him 
the respect of his fellow men, he sought to possess 
that which, in the sight of God, is of more worth — 
the ornament of a meek and Christian spirit. He 
made a profession of faith in Christ, and united 
with the First Presbyterian Church of this city 
in April, 1842. It is not our part to judge our fel- 
low man in this, his highest relation to his God. 

3 



18 

We leave that to Him who reads unerringly the 
secrets of all hearts, the purpose of all lives. But 
we may speak of him as one of the most conspicu- 
ous founders of this Church, and its faithful friend 
and helper. We have every reason to believe that 
not by works of righteousness which he had done, 
but by the faith of the Son of God, he sought to 
gain meetness for the Kingdom of Heaven. He 
was not one who made a boast of his religion, or 
who talked of the experience of the hidden life 
with God, even to his pastor. But I was permit- 
ted to learn incidentally the drift of his religious 
feeling. Early in the winter he brought to me a 
little volume, entitled " Sacramental Exercises," 
by an ancient Scotch minister, saying that he had 
for years perused it with profit and pleasure. The 
tender and evangelical sentiment, the sweet flavor 
of the Cross which this little volume contained, 
showed most plainly that a soul that could delight 
itself in such reading was accustomed to eat of the 
hidden manna. 

As a Christian brother and fellow laborer in this 
Church, we lament his loss. To perfection he 
made no claim, nor do we for him. But with his 
sins and his faults we have no concern. We leave 
them all to that divine mercy in which he trusted, 
as we may hope, not in vain. It is the virtue, the 
example of the good, that we should seek to rescue 



19 

from oblivion, to perpetuate in memory and emu- 
late in life. 

Nor is it our province to lift the vail which 
covers the sanctities of life in the highest and 
closest relations of all. He will be missed by those 
friends who were wont to enjoy his generous hos- 
pitality, his ever fresh and youthful sympathy, and 
most of all by those who found in him not only a 
wise father but a loving and sympathetic compan- 
ion. There is no need to magnify this loss, or to 
increase this sacred grief by dwelling upon it. 

He was a son of whom his native land may well 
be proud, as he was proud of her storied history 
and illustrious names. As a man and a citizen, he 
was well and favorably known to those among 
whom he dwelt. As a physician, he was an orna- 
ment to the profession of which he was a member. 

To-day a long and useful life is closed ; to-day 
a good citizen departs from among us ; to-day a 

faithful physician's place is empty; to-day a lather 
in Israel has fallen. Leaving us, a few r weeks ago, 
for a period of rest well earned, but with natural 
powers unabated, he turned his face toward the 
scenes of his early childhood, and wished to look 
once more on the graves of his fathers, among the 
hills which skirt the shores of Loch Tay. This 
wish was not to be accomplished. He was setting 
out on the last pilgrimage of earth to the better 



20 

home above ; he was to go to his fathers an old 
man and full of days, but not amid the hills and 
valleys so dear to memory. It is the sweet hope 
that we are permitted to cherish, that he has 
rejoined his kindred in the " better country, even 
the heavenly." 

With this tribute to his memory, and with the 
emblems of Christian hope, we give him up to God, 
commending ourselves to His mercy and these sor- 
rowing friends to His grace ; in the hope of the 
general resurrection, when the bodies of those that 
sleep in Jesus shall God bring with him ; in the 
expectation that through the mercy of our God we 
may also finish our course with joy and be forever 
with the Lord. 

"After he had served his own generation, by the 
will of God he fell asleep, and was laid unto his 
fathers." We shall go to him; he shall not return 
to us." 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. 



Albany Express, June 29th, 1874. 

Dr. James McNaughton is dead. In Paris, on the 
night of June 11th, the sad event occurred. The 
family were about starting for Geneva and had left 
their hotel, when the Doctor was taken suddenly 
ill with fainting spells ; he at once hurried back to 
the hotel, and every human effort was made in his 
behalf, but in a few hours he passed peaceably away, 
surrounded by his wife and daughters. Thus, in 
the midst of health and pleasure, in the gay French 
capital, the lamp of life was extinguished, and Dr. 
James McNaughton, the eminent physician and es- 
teemed citizen, was gathered home in the fullness 
of years and honors. The news will greatly shock 
this community, where for half a century and more 
Dr. McNaughton practiced medicine ; being, indeed, 
at the time of his departure from this country the 
oldest medical lecturer in active service in this 
country, and probably in the world. The family 
left home about the middle of May, for an extended 



22 

tour on the continent of Europe, crossing the At- 
lantic in the Cunard steamer Abyssinia. They ar- 
rived in LiverjDool on the first of June, and imme- 
diately proceeded to London. After remaining in 
the great city about a week, they left for Paris, 
and were about continuing the journey when the 
death of the husband and father put an end to the 
travel so hopefully begun, for the voyage out had 
been most prosperous, and the Doctor had been en- 
joying remarkably good health. He had, however, 
for years been subject to the fainting spells which 
ultimately caused his death. Mrs. McNaughton 
and her two daughters at once made preparations 
to return home. They left Liverpool on the 20th 
of June in the Cunard steamer Calabria, and will 
probably arrive in New York to-morrow or Wednes- 
day. The remains will not arrive with them, owing 
to the regulations of the company, but will follow 
in the Havre packet line. 

It is, perhaps, needless for us to enter into any 
long account of the life of this illustrious physician, 
for it has been written again and again, and is pretty 
well known to our citizens, who will feel, on hear- 
ing of his death, that the city has lost one of its 
best people, and that in his demise is the end of a 
noble life. He was President of the Albany Medi- 
cal College, and Professor of Theory and Practice. 
He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1796. His 



23 

father was a prosperous farmer and manufacturer, 
and his boyhood was spent among the romantic 
scenery of his birth-place ; there was laid the foun- 
dation of a vigorous constitution, which has enabled 
him to outstrip his contemporaries in labor and long- 
life. Preparing for college at Kenmore, Dr. Mo 
Naughton was admitted to the University of Edin- 
burgh in 1812. Entering the medical department, 
he graduated in 1816, having made special prepara- 
tion for the navy. The war closing at that time, 
he gave up the idea, and continued his studies 
another year under the celebrated Professors Greg- 
ory and Hamilton, both leading lecturers at the 
University. Accepting an engagement as surgeon 
on an emigrant ship to this country, he landed at 
Quebec in July, 1817. While the ship was waiting, 
he paid a visit to some distant relatives in Albany, 
who persuaded him to resign his position and com- 
mence practice here. 

Following their advice, he soon took a prominent 
position in the profession, and three years after was 
appointed to deliver a course of lectures on anat- 
omy, in the then popular College of Physicians and 
Surgeons at Fairfield. This was in 1820. The 
next year he was appointed full Professor of Anat- 
omy and Physiology, and continued to lecture for 
nineteen years on these subjects. One year he fillet I 
the chair of surgery, making in all twenty years at 



24 

* 

that college. In 1840 the Albany Medical College 
was organized, and Dr. McNaughton was made Pro- 
fessor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, 
which chair he has held with great acceptance up 
to the present time. In March last he concluded 
his fifty-third annual course of lectures, and, during 
this more than half a century, he has not missed a 
dozen lectures, or been confined to the house a week 
with illness. His reputation has not been confined 
to this city by any means, for to medical literature 
he has contributed much, and his fame as a skillful 
and successful practitioner has extended far and wide. 
He has, during his long course of medical practice, 
been invariably conservative, never running after 
strange gods. At a festival dinner given by the 
Albany County Medical Society in celebration of 
the completion of the half century in the practice 
of medicine by Drs. James McNaughton, B. P. Staats 
and James Wade, in response to the toast : 

Out Guests : Whose honored names have graced our Medi- 
cal Annals for half a century ; may their days be filled with 
the abundance and beauty of a glorious autumn, and their 
lengthening years be crowned with honor, 

Dr. McNaughton replied, and gave a brief sum- 
mary of his life. He told that he was born in 
Scotland, among the Grampian Hills, where "his 
father fed his flock," as did young Norval's. 

" I received my early education at the excellent 



K 



25 

parish school in Kenmore, where young men were 
fitted for college. In 1812 I was sent to the Univer- 
sity of Edinburgh. I had a brother holding the posi- 
tion of surgeon to a frigate in the navy, stationed, 
at that time, and during the war with this country, 
at the Halifax station. It was my intention to 
enter the same service at the close of my medical 
studies. There was great demand for surgeons for 
the navy at that time, and I made all the haste I 
could to get qualified for active life ; but the great 
war of the French revolution took a sudden and 
unexpected turn after the disastrous return of the 
French army from Russia, and 1813 witnessed, in 
Edinburgh, the splendid illuminations consequent 
on the downfall of Napoleon the First, and the 
occupation of Paris by the allied army. The peo- 
ple were delirious over the return of peace, after 
an exhausting war of twenty-five years. Then, at 
convivial meetings, the favorite toast was, ' Peace 
and Plenty.' But the peace did not bring plenty, 
any more than the end of the great war of our 
own late rebellion, but, like the latter, it lelt 
heavy taxes to be paid, deranged business, and 
threw many out of employment. It also blighted 
my prospects. I had then full leisure to pursue 
my studies. The return of Bonaparte from Elba, 
in 1815, and the reopening of war, changed the 
prospect for a time. Some, like our own prophet, 

4 



26 

thought it would end in ninety days. Happily for 
Europe, the war did end in ninety days, by the 
decisive battle of Waterloo, which secured com- 
parative peace for fifty years. 

" After leaving the University of Edinburgh, in 
1817, I was at a loss what to do with myself. I 
was too young to settle in Scotland. I wished to 
see more of the world, but could get no public ser- 
vice that would enable me to do so. I could 
obtain strong letters of commendation to Sir Gregor 
MacGregor, who was then an admiral in the Colum- 
bian service. I had some thoughts of joining 
him there, when I was pressed by a large body of 
emigrants from my native parish and county to go 
with them on their voyage to America, and the 
owners of the vessel offered me the position of sur- 
geon, with the privilege of returning in the vessel 
on her return in the autumn. Having nothing to 
do at home, and having relations in America I had 
never seen, I accepted the offer. We left Greenock 
on the 28th of May, 1817, and after a stormy pas- 
sage, and a narrow escape from shipwreck on the 
north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, three 
hundred miles below Quebec, we reached that city 
on the 16th day of July, all well. I left the good 
ship Harmony, Capt. Abrams, after a short stay at 
Quebec, and hurried on, by way of Montreal and 
Lake Champlain, to visit my American relations, 



27 

having no settled purpose of remaining in the 
country. 

" There was in Albany no one that I had ever 
seen, and only one that I had ever heard of before. 
To him I had a letter of introduction and recom- 
mendation. He received me with great cordiality 
and hospitality. A father could not have been 
kinder. By his advice I decided, after visiting 
my relations in Montgomery county, to settle in 
Albany. From that time to this I have been 
steadily and successfully engaged in the practice 
of my profession. I have seen Albany grow from 
a small city of 11,000 inhabitants to a flourishing- 
one of 70,000." 

He then mentioned how he came into notice 
as an anatomist; how he was appointed, first 
a lecturer, and next year a Professor of Anat- 
omy in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
the Western District of New York ; how that col- 
lege flourished for many years, and increased from 
fifty pupils to over two hundred ; how, after a con- 
nection with that institution for nineteen years, 
he was invited to take the Department of Theory 
and Practice of Medicine in the Albany Medical 
College. He also spoke of the several offices with 
which he had been honored by the State and by 
his professional friends, viz.: Surgeon-General, 
President of the County Society, and of the State 



28 

Medical Society. Omitting, by accident, we sup- 
pose, that of City Alderman. 

At this dinner numerous tributes were paid to 
Dr. McNaughton. His colleague and friend, Dr. 
Armsby, said of him : " I well remember when I 
first saw him, thirty-six years ago. He seemed a 
giant then, in our profession. He had been long 
eminent as a professor and practitioner. The fame 
of an Edinburgh education, under the Munros, the 
Bells and Cullen. The prestige of years of suc- 
cess and well-earned reputation, with a towering 
and inspiring person rarely equalled. I shall never 
forget the first impression made upon my mind. 
Years of friendly intercourse have only heightened 
and cemented my respect and regard. May the 
lives of our three honored guests flow on in the 
stream of time, and if wound up for four-score 
years, then may they freely run ten winters more, 
till, 'like a clock worn out with eating time, the 
wheels of weary life at length stand still.' " Dr. 
Clark also paid a tribute to the venerable doctor ; 
and from the letters of the invited physicians una- 
ble to be present at that festal gathering, we 
append the following from Dr. J. P. Boyd: 

Albany, June 20, 1867. 
My Dear Dr. Pomfret : Motives of a private nature, I 
regret to say, will prevent my being present at your festivi- 
ties, this evening. But I cannot let this opportunity pass 
without an expression of grateful remembrance of one of your 



29 

honored guests, from whom I received my first lesson in my 
professional education. I give you, sir, the name of James 
McNaughton, my honored preceptor; the enlightened and 
accomplished physician ; the worthy professor ; the Christian 
gentleman. He has fought the good fight against contagion 
and disease. May his declining years be cheered and made 
happy by the blessings of many, who were ready to perish, 
falling upon him. J. P. Boyd. 



Albany Argus, June 29th, 1874. 

A painful rumor prevailed Saturday evening that 
Dr. James McNaughton, of this city, had died abroad. 
Upon investigation it proved to be too true. It 
will be remembered that Dr. McNaughton, and his 
wife and daughter, left in the spring for an extended 
tour on the continent. The venerable doctor had 
well earned his vacation, for he had remained for 
many years at his post of duty and seldom indulged 
himself in recreation. The particulars of his death, 
as near as can be ascertained, are contained in a 
brief letter to his son, Jas. McNaughton, Jr., who 
remained at the family mansion on North Pearl 
street. It appears that Dr. McNaughton and party 
on the 11th inst. had packed up their effects and 
had reached the railroad depot in Paris, prepara- 
tory to starting for Geneva, Switzerland. When 
the party arrived at the depot the doctor com- 
plained of feeling faint, and it was decided to return 
to their hotel, where, in a few hours, the venerable 



30 

physician expired. It is needless to say that the 
news of his death will be received with regret, not 
only in this city, but wherever he was known, his 
circle of acquaintance being very extensive. Dr. 
James McNaughton graduated in Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, in the year 1816, and came to this country the 
following year. A notice to the following effect, 
shortly after his arrival, appeared in the daily papers : 
" James McNaughton respectfully informs the citi- 
zens of Albany that he has opened an office at No. 
91 North Pearl street with a view of beginning the 
practice of medicine. He studied the different 
branches of medicine at Edinburgh University for 
four years ; has attended Livingston Hospital in 
that city three courses, and the Royal Infirmary 
two years." 

For twenty years he was a Professor in the 
Medical College of Fairfield, Herkimer county. In 
1840 he was elected Professor of the Theory and 
Practice of Medicine in the Albany Medical College. 
He accepted the position, and held it at the time 
of his death. The valuable collection which he 
had accumulated during twenty years teaching at 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Fair- 
field, he transferred to the Albany Medical College, 
where it still remains. A record is made in Mun- 
sell's Annals of Albany that George Combe, the 
phrenologist, in his recollections of Albany, stated 



31 

that Dr. McNaughton had, in the year 181G, seen 
Dr. Spierzheim dissect the brain, prepared in alcohol, 
in Dr. Barclay's class rooms, in Edinburgh, in the 
presence of Dr. Gordon. 

On June 20th, 1867, the Albany County Medical 
Society gave a complimentary dinner at the Delavan 
House to James Wade, M.D., B. P. Staats, M.D., 
and James McNaughton, M.D., in celebration of the 
fiftieth anniversary of their active professional life. 
It is said of Dr. McNaughton that during his con- 
nection with the Albany Medical College he has 
never missed one week of lectures, and at the close 
of the last lecture term, he was the oldest teacher 
of medicine then living in the world. Dr. Mc- 
Naughton has served as President of the Albany 
County Medical Society, and at the time of his 
death was a Director in the Exchange Bank, a 
Governor of the Medical Department of Union 
University, and President of the medical and sur- 
gical staff of the Albany Hospital. 

Dr. McNaughton was one of our wealthiest citi- 
zens, an honest, conscientious, upright man. He 
gave every subject brought to his notice careful 
and mature consideration, and his opinion once 
formed was forever held. He was a true gentleman 
of the old school, courteous and affable, and was a 
most genial companion. In society he was a bright 
ornament. His conversation was bright and spark- 



32 

ling and abounded in wit. By his pupils he was 
regarded with great reverence, and whenever the 
venerable doctor's carriage drove up to the college 
gate there was always some one to meet him, and 
as he passed through the halls every hat was raised. 
A good man has gone to his rest. 



Albany Evening Journal, June 29th, 1874. 

When, a few weeks since, Dr. James McNaughton 
left the city, with his family, to make the tour of 
Europe, he anticipated a profitable respite from the 
arduous duties of his profession, and a happy return 
to his pleasant American home. Although he had 
entered upon his seventy-eighth year, he was in 
apparent good health, and looked forward to his 
contemplated journey with the enthusiasm of youth. 
He had neither forebodings nor premonitions of the 
sad event which has so speedily terminated his 
career ; and while his most intimate friends were 
not entirely free from apprehensions of the effect 
of the fatigue and excitement of the voyage upon 
one so advanced in years, and occasionally subject 
to attacks which rendered the quiet and repose of 
home desirable, they nevertheless confidently hoped 
that his remarkable constitutional vigor would ena- 
ble him not only to make the tour in safety, but to 



33 



return to his home, strengthened and invigorated 
for the duties and responsibilities of his professional 
and social life. But it was otherwise ordered. 
Scarcely had his journey begun before it terminated 
in death — ; not among his kindred in his native land, 
nor in the home of his adoption, but in a land of 
strangers. He did not, however, die alone. He 
was attended by several members of his house- 
hold — his faithful and beloved wife and children 
who accompanied him in his journey — and received 
at their hands the kindly ministrations so coveted 
in the weary hours of sickness, and so consolatory 
in the dread hour of death. Mr. James M. Brown, of 
the firm of Brown Bros., bankers, of New York, was 
in Paris when the Doctor was attacked with faint- 
ness in the railroad depot, as he was starting for 
Geneva. When he was conveyed to the hotel, 
where he died in a few hours, Mrs. McNaughton 
sent for Mr. Brown, whose subsequent kindness in 
their great affliction is spoken of by the bereaved 
family in terms of earnest gratitude. In a note, 
Mrs. McNaughton says of him : " No relative could 
have shown greater kindness." 

Immediately it became evident that the deceased 
could not survive, the family telegraphed to a 
nephew, a practising lawyer in Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, who soon arrived, and with Mr. Brown made 



5 



34 

all needed arrangements for the proper disposition 
of the body. 

In a note from a friend of the deceased, we are 
informed that " after the attack the Doctor seemed 
for a time to rally, although vomiting freely. Sud- 
denly a change for the worse came on, and he died 
peacefully, a few hours after the attack, as he had 
always hoped and believed he would die, without 
the terrible affliction of a lingering illness." 

Dr. McNaughton was born in Perthshire, Scot- 
land, in 1796. He was one of several brothers, 
whose father was a prosperous, and for those days, 
an extensive manufacturer. James early manifested 
a fondness for intellectual pursuits, and had so far 
progressed in his studies as to be able, in 1812, to 
enter the medical department of the University of 
Edinburgh, graduating in 1816, but continuing his 
studies under the most eminent professors during the 
ensuing year. In 1817 he accepted the position of 
surgeon of an emigrant ship, arriving in Quebec in 

July of that year, from whence he came to this city 
on what he intended as a brief visit to the late Arch- 
ibald McIntyre. But he was fortunately persuaded 
to make Albany his home, where he soon acquired 
a large practice, and entered upon a career of emi- 
nent usefulness, which has continued through a pe- 
riod of more than fifty years. In 1820 he was ap- 
pointed to deliver a course of lectures in the then 



35 



celebrated College of Physicians and Surgeons at 
Fairfield ; and he continued to officiate in that in- 
stitution until the organization of the Albany Med- 
ical College in 1840, of which he was made Pro- 
fessor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, 
which chair he filled with great ability and accept- 
ance to the present time. He had thus, for fifty- 
three years, been actively engaged as a popular 
teacher, as well as an eminent practitioner, of the 
profession which he adorned by his learning and 
virtues. 

Besides his professorships in the several medical 
institutions with which he has been connected, Dr. 
McNaughton often held the highest official positions 
in the County and State Medical Societies ; was 
one of the founders of our City Hospital ; was a fre- 
quent contributor to the Medical Reviews ; ranked 
with March and Armsby as an anatomist ; served in 
our municipal council ; was President of the Ex- 
change at the time of his death; was President and 
a life-long member of the St. Andrew's Society, 
and a director and trustee in several of our mone- 
tary institutions. And in all these relations, as in 
every department of life, he proved himself upright, 
sincere, earnest and accomplished. 

Dr. McNaughton was equally conspicuous as a 
citizen. During his long residence in Albany, he 
identified himself with every movement looking to 



36 

its prosperity and growth. No one was more fre- 
quently consulted, or was more ready to do what 
was needful to carry out what was deemed neces- 
sary to the efficiency and success of projected enter- 
prises. 

He was active, also, in every benevolent move- 
ment, was steadfast in all his religious duties, having 
been identified, from its organization, with the Con- 
gregational church, as one of its most effective 
members and office-bearers. 

He was, also, a pure patriot. He had an ardent 
love for his adopted country, and, in every proper 
way, during its years of trial, gave practical proof 
of his earnest patriotism. 

Dr. McNaughton was fortunate in his domestic 
relations. He married a daughter of the late Arch- 
ibald McIntyre, his early friend, with whom he had 
lived happily during the nearly half century of 
their wedded life. She survives, with several sons 
and daughters, to mourn her bereavement, and to 
cherish the memory of the beloved dead. 

The deceased leaves an ample fortune which he 
accumulated in his profession, and by judicious in- 
vestments in real estate. 

Dr. McNaughton died, as he had lived, an humble 
Christian. Having " kept the faith," he went to 
his rest in the full assurance of hope, leaving be- 



37 

hind him the record of a long life of active useful- 
ness and " the grateful odor of a good name.' 

His death will leave a wide breach in the pro- 
fessional, social and benevolent circles of our city. 
Few men occupied a more prominent or honorable 
position ; and all who knew him and appreciated 
his eminent virtues will unite with his bereaved 
family and friends in bedewing his grave with the 
tears of friendship and love. 



Albany Evening Times, June 29th, 1874. 

On the 15th of May last the following sketch 
appeared in the Evening Times: 

" But few physicians pass the milestone of half a 
century in active life. As a rule they are retired 
from the field before that time, or occupy some 
place subordinate to a younger man. In the words 
of the old sea captain, " they are hauled off in the 
harbor of debility, or stranded on the quicksands 
of disease." In these times of fast work, the faster 
living men of any occupation seldom cross the 
fiftieth anniversary of their business career, bearing 
the heat and burden of the day. In the history of 
the medical profession only a few instances are on 
record of physicians who have lectured and taught 
medical science through the changes of half a 



'38 

century. To have lectured all these years, and be 
still at the desk instructing the second and third 
generation of former pupils, is a peculiar honor 
seldom given. Dr. James McNaughton, President of 
the Albany Medical College, and Professor of 
Theory and Practice, is believed to be the oldest 
lecturer at his post in the world. He was born on 
the Grampian Hills in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1796. 
His father was a well-to-do farmer and manufac- 
turer, and his boyhood was spent amid the romantic 
scenery of his birthplace ; there was laid the foun- 
dation of a vigorous constitution, which has enabled 
him to outstrip his contemporaries in labor and long 
life. Preparing for college at Kenmore, Dr. Mc- 
Naughton was admitted to the University of Edin- 
burgh in 1812. Entering the medical department 
he graduated in 1816, having made special prepara- 
tions for the navy. The war closing at that time he 
gave up the idea, and continued his studies another 
year under the celebrated Profs. Gregory and Ham- 
ilton, both leading lecturers at the University. Ac- 
cepting an engagement as surgeon on an emigrant 
ship to this country, he landed at Quebec in July, 
1817. While the ship was waiting he paid a visit to 
some distant relatives in Albany, who persuaded 
him to resign his position, and commence practice 
here. Following their advice he soon took a promi- 
nent position in the profession, and three years after 



39 

was appointed to deliver a course of lectures on anat- 
omy at the then popular College of Physicians and 
Surgeons at Fairfield. This was in 1820. The next 
year he was appointed full Professor of Anatomy 
and Physiology, and continued to lecture for nine- 
teen years on these subjects. One year he filled 
the chair of surgery, making in all twenty years at 
that college. In 1840 the Albany Medical College 
was organized, and Dr. McNaughton was made Pro- 
fessor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, 
which chair he has held with great acceptance up 
to the present time. In March last he concluded 
his fifty-third annual course of lectures, and during 
this more than half century he has not missed a 
dozen lectures, or been confined to the house a 
week with illness. Dr. McNaughton has also been 
a busy, successful practitioner. Of late years he has 
been constantly occupied as a consulting physician, 
with a particular reputation for excellent judgment 
and careful diagnosis. As a lecturer he is clear and 
concise, abounding in forcible illustrations drawn 
from his long experience. To medical literature, 
in reviews and journals, the Doctor has contributed 
numerous papers, which have been noted for their 
accuracy and painstaking statements, as well as 
their practical originality. Through all the vast 
revolutions in the practice of medicine, from 181^ 
down to the present time (comprising an era in the 



40 

history of medicine of more importance than that 
of centuries before), Dr. McNaughton has been con- 
servative ; following along in the line of the great 
changes, adopting new theories only when they 
have been established by experience. This course 
has given him a wide reputation as a careful, re- 
liable expounder of the science. Probably no one 
has done more to shape the medical mind in this 
part of the state. In appearance the doctor is a 
tall, well-built, hale-looking old man, very cour- 
teous and genial in his manners. His mind is clear 
and strong, and his lectures are delivered with all 
the energy and freshness of early life. He is now 
seventy-seven years old, and has lectured fifty-three 
years, giving frequently two courses of lectures in 
one year. In all he has given about seventy different 
courses of lectures. His health is good, and he bids 
fair to keep the field for many years. All his early 
contemporaries are gone. In the lecture field Prof. 
Christison of the University of Edinburgh is the 
next oldest man at work ; he began to lecture in 
1838. 

" On the 20th instant Dr. McNaughton will, with 
his family, take passage in the steamship Abyssinia 
from New York for England, and his host of friends 
in Albany and elsewhere will wish him a good 
voyage and a safe return." 

This was destined not to be, Dr. McNaughton 



41 

having departed this life in Paris on the 11th hist. 
The sad news was not received in this city until 
late Saturday evening, when a letter came to Mr. 
James McNaughton, Jr., bearing the sad intelligence. 
It appeared that Dr. McNaughton and party were 
on the eve of departure for Geneva, and in fact 
had gone to the depot, when the old gentleman 
complained of faintness and they returned to the 
hotel. Death ensued in a few hours, but from 
what cause is not yet known. 



Scottish American, July 2d, 1874. 

A few weeks ago we noticed in our columns the 
departure of Dr. McNaughton of Albany, New York, 
from this city on a tour of health and recreation 
through Scotland and the continent of Europe, and 
now, with feelings of the deepest regret, we have 
to record his death. Dr. McNaughton died sud- 
denly in Paris on the 11th June, in his 78th year. 
He had been in his usual health up to that date, 
and was standing on the platform at the railroad 
depot waiting for a train for Geneva when he was 
seized with faintness, and conveyed back to his 
hotel. Medical aid was called in, but without avail, 
for in a few hours the sufferer breathed his last. 
To die suddenly had always been Dr. McNaughtox's 

(5 



42 

wish, for like nearly all physicians he had a dread 
of a long illness, with all its pains and tortures, both 
of mind and body, and his wish was gratified. It 
would be unbecoming in us, and totally in oppo- 
sition to the character of Dr. McNaughton were we 
to pass over without notice the services which Mr. 
James M. Brown, of the firm of Brown Bros., bankers, 
of New York, rendered to the family in their hour 
of affliction. Alone, in a strange land, and over- 
come at the terrible bereavement they had suffered, 
the widow and family had to look to him for that 
advice and comfort which are so essential at such 
a time. Mr. Brown accepted the trust. How well 
he did this there is no need of dilating on. Enough 
for us to say that the thanks of the widow and fam- 
ily are his. 

Dr. McNaughton was a native of Perthshire, Scot- 
land, where he was born in 1796. His father was 
a prosperous manufacturer, and had a large family 
of sons — two of whom at least he educated for the 
learned professions. One of these is the present 
respected parish minister of Lesmahagow, Lanark- 
shire, the other the subject of our notice. In 1812 
Dr. McNaughton entered the medical department 
of the University of Edinburgh, where he gradua- 
ted in 1816, although he still continued his studies 
there for some months after. In 1817 he accepted 
the appointment of surgeon on an emigrant ship, 



43 

and acting in that capacity he arrived in Quebec 
in July of that year. On arriving he went to Al- 
bany on a visit to a distant relative, the Hon. Arch- 
ibald McIntyre, who was at one time Comptroller 
of New York, and one of the founders of the Albany 
St. Andrew's Society. Through the persuasion of 
Mr. McIntyre he was induced to make Albany his 
home, and from that time till now, a period of over 
fifty years, his record is a unifcrm one of constant 
work, thorough honesty and success. The appre- 
ciation of his fellow citizens for the sterling quali- 
ties of the man showed itself in the offices to which 
they elected him. In 1820 he was aj)pointed to 
deliver a course of lectures in the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons at Fairfield. In 1840 he was 
elected Professor of the Theory and Practice of 
Medicine in the Albany Medical College, a position 
which he held till his death. He was one of the 
founders of the City Hospital, served in the muni- 
cipality, was President of the Exchange, and Pres- 
ident and life-long director of the St. Andrew's So- 
ciety of Albany. He was long connected as an 
office-bearer and a member of the Congregational 
Church, and his presence will be much missed by 
that congregation, by whom he was much loved and 
revered. 

Dr. McNaughton married in early life the daugh- 
ter of his friend, Mr. McIntyre, and leaves her with 



44 

a large family to mourn the sudden bereavement 
they have met with. 



Albany Sttnday Press, July 5th, 1874. 

We last week gave our readers the sad and pain- 
ful intelligence that our highly esteemed fellow cit- 
izen, Dr. James McNaughton, who, some months 
since, went to Europe for a much needed recreation, 
had died in Paris. The information, which was 
entirely unexpected, fell heavily upon the hearts 
of all our citizens who had hoped that he would re- 
turn with renewed strength to resume and continue 
the work of usefulness he had so long practiced in 
our midst. He died suddenlv on the 11th of June. 
Dr. McNaughton was born in Scotland in 1796, and 
graduated at the University of Edinburgh in 1816. 
Accepting the position of surgeon upon an emigrant 
vessel, he came to America, and, upon paying a 
visit to some friends in this city, was induced to 
take up his residence here. In 1820 he began his 
career as a medical lecturer in the college in Fair- 
field, and for nineteen years lectured before the 
students of that institution upon Anatomy and Phys- 
iology. In 1840, when the Albany Medical College 
was organized, he accepted the chair of Theory and 
Practice of Medicine, and held it to the day of his 



45 

death. In March last he concluded his fifty-third 
annual course of lectures, during all of which he 
had not missed more than a dozen lectures, or been 
confined to the house more than a week by illness. 
He saw Albany grow from a city of 11,000 inhabi- 
tants to one of nearly 100,000, and during his long 
career filled the position of Surgeon General, Pres- 
ident of the State Medical Society, and of the 
County Society. Dr. McNaughton was a giant in 
physical and intellectual stature, and professionally 
ranked among the foremost of the physicians of 
this section. His death was very sudden. The 
family were about starting from Paris for Geneva, 
and had left their hotel, when the Doctor was taken 
suddenly ill with fainting spells ; he at once hur- 
ried back to the hotel, and every human effort was 
made in his behalf, but in a few hours he passed 
peaceably away, surrounded by his wife and 
daughters. 



Albany Evening Journal, August 1th, 1874. 

The following letter, addressed by the late Dr. 
James McNaughton to President Potter of Union 
University, will be read with interest. It shows at 
once how deep and intelligent was his concern for 
the advancement of education, and how thoroughly 
he had at heart the prosperity of Albany : 



46 

Albany, December 23d, 1873. 

Reverend and Dear Sir : When I last saw you in Albany 
we had some conversation about establishing in this city another 
Department of Union University, and you requested me to 
write to you my views on the subject. 

I have not until now found leisure to comply with your 
request. In an address to the State Agricultural Society, 
delivered some twenty years ago, I recommended that courses 
of lectures should be delivered on agricultural chemistry, 
geology and mineralogy and natural history during the 
session of the Legislature, so that members of the Legislature, 
and any of their families present in the city, might have the 
benefit, gaining knowledge and passing their time more pro- 
fitably than they usually do here. 

For two or three years lectures were delivered by Mr. John 
T. Norton on agriculture, and Professor Hall on geology, 
during the winter, in the lecture room of Geological Hall — an 
excellent room for the purpose. The lectures were well 
attended. Some citizens of Albany paid a small salary to the 
lecturers, so that the lectures were free ; but the death of Mr. 
Norton interrupted the course, and the lectures at the Geo- 
logical Hall have been discontinued. 

What I would now suggest, as a beginning, is that the 
Governor should recommend the Legislature to render more 
valuable the collections in the Geological Hall, by appointing 
some competent person, at a moderate salary from the State — 
say §500 a year — to give a course of lectures on chemistry and 
agriculture, and another on geology and mineralogy, and as 
much of natural history as a popular audience would be 
interested to know. This would only be a beginning, but it 
could easily extend, and be in a great measure self-sustaining 
if once fairly started. At the University of Edinburgh, the 
Professors are chiefly dependent for support on the ticket fees 
received by them. Few of them receive more than from £70 
to £100 sterling a year as salary. 

Popular courses of lectures might be given on several 
branches during the summer or winter, open to gentlemen and 
ladies, from which tuition fees might be derived. Such lectures 



47 

were delivered this very season at Geological Hall to members 
of the Ladies' Dana Society. 

Once fairly started, there is no reason why Albany should 
not be resorted to by students, who had finished their studies 
at other schools, to become more thoroughly acquainted with 
mineralogy and geology, scientific agriculture, natural his- 
tory, comparative anatomy, botany, scientific and natural 
astronomy, etc., etc. I know of no city in the United States 
more advantageously situated for such an institution than 
Albany. I think Chancellor Pruyn and the Albany Institute 
would operate with us in this enterprise. 

I have hastily thrown together these suggestions in fulfill- 
ment of my promise, and remain, dear sir, 

Yours truly, 

James McNaughton. 

President E. N. Potter, D.D. 



RESOLUTIONS 



Albany Medical College. 

At a meeting of the Faculty of the Albany Medi- 
cal College, held on the 29th of June, 1874, the 
death of Prof. McNaughton was announced. The 
occasion gave opportunity for the expression by the 
members of the Faculty of their deep, respectful 
and tender regard for the memory of their deceased 
colleague. Remarks in illustration and praise of 
his character as a physician, teacher, and loyal 
friend, were made by Drs. J. H. Armsby, W. P. Sey- 
mour, M. E. Perkins, J. V. Lansing, G. T. Stevens, 
and H. R. Haskins, and the following resolutions, 
presented by Dr. Stevens, were unanimously 
adopted, and ordered published and entered on the 
records of the College : 

Resolved, That this Faculty have heard with sorrow the 
tidings of the death of our beloved associate and honored Pres- 
ident, Dr. James McNaughton, which occurred at Paris on the 
11th of this month ; that while deploring our great loss, we 
bow in submission to the Divine Will, thanking the Disposer 



49 

of all events that our friend has been permitted to attain to 
fullness of years and honors, and to depart with a spotle 
character and universal esteem. 

Resolved, That in this sudden and mournful event we have 
to lament the loss of a colleague, who has for thirty years 
been a faithful and unwearied teacher in this College, whose 
uniform kindness, rigid integrity and sterling worth have 
endeared him to each of his associates, and whose wise coun- 
sels and devotion to the welfare of this institution are ever to 
be remembered. 

Resolved, That by this dispensation the medical profession 
has lost a member who, by great experience, learning and 
skill, was justly distinguished, wdiose long and valuable ser- 
vices rendered him an honor to that profession, and who, for 
more years than any man of his day, labored actively as a 
teacher in the cause of medical education. 

Resolved, That, in common with our fellow citizens, we feel 
the loss of one who, for many years, has illustrated the virtues 
of a good citizen by manifesting a deep interest in all that 
pertained to the welfare of this city, and w r hose best w T ishes 
and efforts extended to all people in every place. 

Resolved, That, while feeling our own loss, we are mindful of 
and sympathize with those who, by the intimate and tender 
ties of the family, were most closely related to him, and who, 
better than all others, could appreciate his genial refinement, 
Christian graces and sterling worth, and who, more than all 
others, are afflicted in this sad event, and we tender to them 
our heartfelt sympathy in their great bereavement. 

J. V. Lansing, 
Registrar, Albany Medical College. 



St. Andrew's Society. 
Another venerable and greatly esteemed member 
of our Society has gone to his rest. Dr. Jambs Mc- 
Naughton died in Paris on the 11th of June, in the 

7 



50 

78th year of his. age. He was a pure patriot, an 
honored citizen, a ripe scholar, the peer of the most 
eminent in his profession, a beloved and affection- 
ate husband and father, a true and generous friend, 
and a devout and unostentatious Christian gentle- 
man. 

While, therefore, his fellow citizens deeply regret 
the departure of one whom they esteemed and hon- 
ored for his distinguished social and public virtues, 
while his more intimate friends mourn that one so 
worthy of their affection and regard has so suddenly 
and so unexpectedly been taken from them ; while 
his medical brethren give expression to their grief 
that one who had, for more than half a century, 
adorned and dignified his profession ; and while his 
stricken family weep over the unconscious remains 
of their beloved husband, father, brother and friend 
— we, the members of the St. Andrew's Society of 
Albany, deem it fitting and proper to give expres- 
sion to our unfeigned sorrow that we shall no more 
look upon the face, nor be cheered and encouraged 
by the sympathy and counsels, of one who was, for 
fifty-six years, an honored member of our Society, 
for five years its President, at the time of his death 
its physician, and always its zealous patron and 
generous friend ; therefore, 

Resolved, As an expression of our sympathy with the be- 
reaved wife and children of the deceased, and as a memorial 



51 

of our regard for the memory of our departed friend and 
brother, that our secretary be and he is hereby instructed to 
prepare a copy of this tribute, to be transmitted to the family, 
and that it also be placed upon the minutes of the Society. 

Resolved, further, That this Society will attend the funeral of 
the deceased in a body, wearing the usual badge of mourning. 

Resolved, also, That a copy of the foregoing be furnished 
the press of the city for publication. 
Signed for the Society, 

Donald McDonald, President, 
Peter Kinnear, Secretary. 



National Albany Exchange Bank. 

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the 
National Albany Exchange Bank, held on the oUth 
of June, the following preamble and resolutions 
were adopted, viz. : 

Whereas, We have heard with deep sorrow of the very 
sudden death at Paris, on the 11th inst., of our friend and 
fellow director, Dr. James McNaughton — 

Resolved, That in this sad dispensation of Divine Providence 
we mourn the loss of a faithful member of this Board, a tried 
and sincere friend, and a useful and valued member of society. 

Resolved, That we tender to the widow and family of our 

deceased brother our earnest sympathy and condolence in 

their bereavement and sorrow. 

A true copy from the minutes. 

C. P. Williams, Secretary. 

At a meeting of the Trustees of the Albany 
Exchange Savings Bank, held on Wednesday, July 



52 

1st, the following was adopted as a tribute to the 
memory of Dr. McNaughton, viz. : 

The sad intelligence has reached us of the death of Dr. 
James McNaughton, one of the corporators of this institution, 
and from its organization the President of our Board of Trus- 
tees. He died suddenly at Paris on the 11th of June last, 
stricken down almost without premonition, while in the full 
vigor of ripe age, in his seventy-eighth year. 

Dr. McNaughton had been a citizen of Albany for more 
than half a century, during which time he had endeared him- 
self to our community, and a wide circle in other parts of our 
country, as an eminent physician and an able teacher in his 
profession. But to us, who knew him in the more intimate 
relations of daily practical life, he was the sincere friend, the 
courteous gentleman, the wise counsellor, and the consistent 
and earnest Christian. In his loss we feel a personal bereave- 
ment, as of a brother and friend, and we tender to his sorrow- 
ing widow and family assurances of our deep sympathy in 
their affliction, and that his character and kindly offices will 
ever be held by us in honored remembrance. 

Resolved, That this tribute to the memory of Dr. McNaugh- 
ton be entered upon the minutes of the Board, and that the 
Secretary prepare and transmit a copy to the family of our 
deceased brother. 

A true copy from the minutes, 

C. P. Williams, Secretary. 



Albany County Medical Society. 

The Albany County Medical Society held a 
special meeting on the 2d of July, in the Common 
Council chamber. 

Dr. Thomas Hun, having been elected Chairman, 



53 

called for the order of business, which he under- 
stood to be drafting of resolutions on the death of 
Dr. James McNaughton. 

After the President had spoken briefly in accept- 
ing the position, Dr. Peter P. Staats arose and 
said, with much feeling, that as a private citizen 
our deceased friend was a good man, and a worthy 
and highly esteemed gentleman. In his profession, 
courteous, gentlemanly and systematic, and an orna- 
ment worthy of our imitation and admiration ; and 
from his long and active duties as a professor up to 
his death, established him to the world as well 
qualified to discharge the responsible duties of his 
appointment to the chair ; and as a Christian, his 
walk and conversation carried good proof of his 
faith in his Redeemer, and justifies us to believe 
that he received the welcome plaudit of, " Well 
done, good and faithful servant ; enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord." / 

The meeting was then addressed by Dr. James 
P. Boyd, who said : 

Mr. President and Gentlemen: A mournful occasion con- 
venes us to-day. The startling news conveyed to us on the 
beautiful and bright Sabbath morning, brought darkness and 
a feeling of desolation to many a heart. Dr. James McNaugh- 
ton is dead ! That majestic form, those friendly greetings, we 
shall witness no more. He left his country, his home, and 
died in the gay metropolis of France. As most of you have 
been so long familiar with him, and as his life has been 
so often sketched, and especially now in our city papers, I 



54 

will only mention a few facts in his history, which came under 
my personal observation. It was his advice and counsel that 
induced me to enter his office as a student of medicine in the 
spring of 1820. I went with him when he was invited to 
deliver a course of lectures on anatomy in the Medical College 
at Fairfield, in this State. The following year he was ap- 
pointed Professor of Anatomy. He was the most popular pro- 
fessor in that college. He not only lectured on general anat- 
omy, but was especially particular when he demonstrated 
those parts concerned in important surgical operations ; and 
although I attended several courses of lectures in New York 
and Philadelphia, I never attended a course so instructive as 
those delivered by Professor McNaughton. Dr. McNaughton 
in the early part of his professional life was a very close stu- 
dent. He not only devoted himself assiduously to medical 
studies, but also pursued the study of the modern languages, 
French, Spanish and Italian, under instructors. He was a 
fine classical scholar. He read and translated the Latin lan- 
guage with great fluency. He was a cautious and conserva- 
tive practitioner, not easily led astray by every new idea. For 
a long time he has been a favorite and popular physician, 
much beloved by many to whom he has ministered. He was 
a firm friend, and, above all, a sincere Christian ; therefore, 

Resolved, That this Society has lost not only the eldest, but, 
also, one of its most respected and valuable members. We 
deplore his loss, and we sincerely mingle our sorrows and 
regrets with those of the dear ones in the desolate home. 

Resolved^ That we attend his funeral in a body, and wear 
the usual badge of mourning, and that a copy of these resolu- 
tions be transmitted to the family of the deceased. 

Dr. S. H. Freeman then spoke and said: 

Mr. President: I should do injustice to my own feelings 
should I allow this occasion to pass without paying my tribute 
of affection and respect, to the memory of a venerated friend, 
who has so long honored, dignified and adorned our profession, 
and whose loss is alike mourned in the church and in the com- 
munity. A few weeks since we saw him in our midst, actively 



55 

engaged in professional duties, in the apparent enjoyment of 
robust health. The day before he left Albany I called upon 
him to wish him oon voyage and a safe return. I was gratified 
to find him in excellent spirits, and was impressed with his 
enthusiastic allusion to his anticipated tour, which, he remarked, 
was preferable recreation, and scarcely more of an undertaking 
than the common routine visit to our own watering places. 
But scarcely had his journey begun before it terminated. And 
while we sympathize and mourn over our loss, it is a source of 
great consolation that his oft-expressed desire, that he might 
be spared the sufferings of a lingering disease, was gratified. 
Happy in the length of days, he fully sympathized in the 
sentiment of the past, so beautifully prophetic of a departure 
so sudden and peaceful : 

" Life, we've been long" together, 
Through pleasant and through stormy weather ; 
'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, 
'Twill cost a sigh, perhaps a tear, 
Then steal away, give little warning ; 
Say not good night, 
fiut in some happier clime 
Wish me good morning." 

He has left the heritage of a useful and honored life ; his 
memory is embalmed in the hearts of many who, but for his 
skillful and tender care, " were ready to perish/' and we 
doubt not that, having fallen " asleep in Jesus," he has entered 
upon the realization of those celestial "joys which are unspeak- 
able and full of glory." 

Dr. Albert Vanderveer spoke as follows : 

Mr. President: I do not know that I can add anything to 
that which has been said in memory of our lamented friend. 
There are with us many who have known Dr. James Mc- 
Naughton longer than I have, whose associations with him 
have been more intimate than mine, and, perhaps, it were well 
that I should remain silent. But, as a representative of the 
younger members of our society, I would crave your indulgence 
for a few moments, that we may be permitted to add our 



56 

tribute of gratitude to his memory, and sorrow for his loss. 
We feel that in Dr. McNaughton we have lost a friend who 
was ever kind and happy in his manner, a counselor who never 
tired of listening to our communications, and who was ever 
ready to give words of counsel or advice. With a mind of ex- 
ceptional strength and activity, a judgment clear and decisive, 
and a steadfastness of purpose which made all who knew him 
feel that when his word was pledged there would be no doubt 
of its fulfillment, he was peculiarly fitted to win the esteem of 
students and his brother practitioners. 

Add to this the grace of a truly Christian character, and 
you had in Dr. James McNaughton a man whose equal is 
rarely met. In the record of his life's work he has left us an 
example worthy of our imitation. We would cherish his mem- 
ory, and we would to-day mingle our tears with those who 
have known him longer, but who can scarcely have loved him 
more. Our sympathies are with his family thus suddenly and 
severely afflicted. Little did they, or we, think, when a few 
short weeks ago we bade him farewell and God speed on a 
visit to his native land, that our welcome on his return would 
be tears of mourning ; that the eye ever beaming with kind- 
ness would so soon be closed forever, the hand we so fondly 
clasped so soon be cold in death. But in this hour of chasten- 
ing we find comfort in the thought that he whom we mourn 
has gone where tears and sorrows are unknown. The eye 
closed here is bright with the joy of the redeemed ; the voice 
hushed on earth, in heaven is offering praise to Him who hath 
given redemption. We would, through our tears, look up and 
seek for grace to so bear our sorrow that we may write above 
the grave of our noble dead no sadder words than these : 
" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 



First Congregational Church. 
At a meeting of the First Congregational Church 
of the city of Albany, held July 1st, 1874, the fol- 
lowing proceedings were taken : 



57 

The sad intelligence has come to us that another of the 
original members of our Church has passed away. 

Dr. James McNaughton expired in Paris on the 11th of 
June, 1874, and in his death we feel no common loss. Xot 
only one of the oldest, he was one of the most respected and 
beloved of our members; and those of us who knew him 
longest, loved him best. 

In the organization of this Church, no one took a more active 
part, or exerted a wider and better influence than he. As one 
of the committee appointed to prepare our articles of faith and 
ecclesiastical rules, his suggestions were wise, thoughtful, con- 
siderate and accepted. 

Educated in the stricter principles of the Calvinistic faith, 
he readily fellows hiped with, and cheerfully welcomed, all 
who loved our common Saviour. And when the Church was 
organized, he was chosen its first President, and performed 
all its duties with Christian love and fidelity. During the 
twenty-four years of our Church history we have ever found 
him a wise counselor, a safe guide and a faithful friend. 

In all matters connected with this Church he took a deep 
and abiding interest. Laboring thoughtfully and carefully 
that its commencement should be begun in truth and righteous- 
ness, he ever watched and aided its progress with the same 
loving care and affection. 

Leaving us to spend- a few weeks in foreign travel, we had 
hoped that he would soon return to us, refreshed and reinvig- 
orated, again to worship with us in this earthly sanctuary 
which he loved. But the Great Master of Assemblies had pro- 
vided better things for him. Suddenly, in the full vigor of 
his life, in the maturity of his intellect, with eye undimmed 
and strength unabated, he is called from the communion of 
the Church on earth to commune with the Church in Heaven. 

We bow in sadness to the will of Him who doeth all things 
well, knowing that our loss is to our brother infinite gain. 
His stricken family we trustingly commend to Him who 
guardeth better than an earthly husband, who guideth better 
than an earthly father, earnestly praying that, when their 
and our work on earth is done, they and we, with the loved 

8 



58 

who have gone before us, shall meet in that upper temple, 

where sorrow shall never enter and death shall never come. 
In remembrance of our Christian brother we now 
Resolve, That this tribute of our regard be entered in full 

upon our minutes, and a copy be transmitted to his sorrowing 

family. 

Adopted unanimously. A true copy. 

Wm. S. Smart, Moderator. 
H. S. McCall, Clerk. 



Governors of Union University. 

Whereas, We have heard with profound regret of the death 
of our venerable friend, Dr. James McNaughton, one of the 
first Governors of Union University, representing the Albany 
Medical College, therefore, 

Resolved, That we bow with submission to the Divine will, 
and tender to his bereaved family our sincere and warm sym- 
pathies. 

Resolved, That in the death of Dr. McNaughton we lose a 
devoted and efficient friend of our united institutions, and one 
whose counsels have been of great service to us, in the forma- 
tion of the union. 

Resolved, That we take pleasure in expressing the highest 
esteem for our departed friend, and appreciation of his emi- 
nent services in the medical profession, his strict integrity, 

and pure Christian character. 

E. N. Potter, Pres., 

Ira Harris, 

J. H. Armsby, 

Committee. 



59 



Trustees of the Albany Medical College. 

The following preamble and resolutions were 

adopted by the Trustees of the Albany Medical 

College : 

Whereas, God has seen fit to terminate by death the long 
continued and faithful services of Dr. James McNaughton, as 
a Professor in this College ; therefore, 

Resolved, That we desire to express our high appreciation of 
those qualities both of ability and character, which have marked 
his labors in connection with this institution, and which, in no 
small degree, have added to the increased usefulness and stand- 
ing of the College. Pew have ever been permitted for so long 
a period to be engaged in the work of medical instruction, or 
to retain the enthusiasm and power necessary to successful 
teaching, as was granted to our lamented brother. 

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the family and 
friends, as well as the profession of which he was a member, 
in the bereavement which has fallen upon them, in the removal 
of one who adorned every walk of life in which he engaged. 

Resolved, That we attend the funeral in a body, and that a 

copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the 

deceased. 

Ira Harris, President. 
Geo. Dexter, Secretary. 



'5 



Trustees op Albany Female Academy. 

RECORD MEMORIAL OF Dr. McNAUGHTON. 

It is always fitting to honor and perpetuate the memory of 
those who, by a holy life and good example, have contributed 
to our own good and to the happiness and blessing of man- 
kind. 

We desire that all those who come after us shall, with our- 
selves, hold in grateful recollection the name and deeds of our 
associate and co-laborer, James McNaughton, M.D., 

Who for thirty years has been a trustee of this institution ; 



60 

Who has sincerely cherished its interests, and wisely labored 
for its welfare ; 

Who has sought, through its prosperity, to confer lasting 
benefits upon the rising generations, and thereby to beautify 
and adorn the ways of life ; 

Who has labored for the promotion of refinement and cul- 
ture, and longed for the welfare of the world; and 

Whom it has now pleased the Sovereign Disposer of events 
to transfer from his wide field of earthly usefulness to the 
enlargement and felicity of the life eternal ; 

Therefore, do we reverently bow to this dispensation of God, 
sorrowful for the departure of our friend, but rejoicing that we 
may yet behold the field and fruits of his labor; and be it 

Resolved, That as by the life of Dr. McN.aughton the Albany 
Female Academy was signally adorned and blessed, so by his 
death it suffers the loss of one of its most cherished friends, 
and mourns the departure of a revered and good man. 

Resolved, That we, in this manner, testify our appreciation 
of his many exalted private and public virtues, and our 
unfeigned sorrow that we shall behold his face in the flesh no 
more. 

Resolved, That this minute of respect be entered upon the 

records of the institution, and that a copy be presented to the 

family of the departed. 

Amasa J. Parker, President. 
Irving Magee, Secretary, pro tern. 



American Medical Association. 
At the session of this Association, held May, 
1875, at Louisville, Ky., on motion of Dr. N. S. 
Davis, of 111., it was 

Resolved, That in the death of the late Dr. J as. McNaughton, 
of Albany, N. Y., we recognize the loss of one of the earliest, 
oldest, and most distinguished members of the Association; 
one who for more than half a century had been a noble exam- 
ple of the upright citizen, the untiring physician, the enthusi- 
astic teacher, and the true Christian gentleman. 

Wm. B. Atkinson, Secretary. 



LIFE AND SERVICES OF PROFESSOR 
JAMES McNAUGHTON, M.D. 

(Extracts from an address to the students of the Albany Medical College, delivered 
by Prof James H. Armsby, M.D., September 1, 1874.) 

Since the close of the last lecture term this 
institution has suffered the loss of a venerable, 
beloved, and honored President. Taken from us 
in the fullness of age and usefulness, of respect 
and honor, of influence and public regard, he has 
left to us the rich legacy of a noble example, a 
spotless name, an unsullied and useful life. 

Trained from childhood to habits of industry and 
perseverance, of virtue, integrity and honor, Dr. 
McNaughton was prepared to fight the battle of 
life nobly and successfully. 

In the death of this great and good man the col- 
lege and the community have suffered a loss which 
can never be fully repaired. His life and character 
furnish worthy examples for imitation, and his 
memory will be ever cherished by the alumni and 
friends of this institution. 

Since the establishment of this College a very 
large number of the most eminent men of our pro- 
fession have descended to the tomb. From the 



62 

long list of the illustrious dead but few can claim 
a higher place on the scroll of fame and merit than 
our deceased President. By his faithfulness, indus- 
try and perseverance through a long professional 
career, discharging every duty, cultivating the social 
and Christian virtues, improving and adorning the 
circles in which he moved, he attained the foremost 
rank as a citizen, practitioner and teacher. The 
great and good objects for which he labored embrace 
all that is desirable in life, and insure a fadeless 
inheritance in the life to come. 

■AL. -i£» «ii- .M, «M» -M- «M. -Mr 

•TS* -7f- •Tf' w w W W •/?■ 

Dr. McNaughton was blessed with a sound phys- 
ical constitution, good mental powers, and correct 
principles ; he early manifested the untiring spirit 
of thrift and progress which distinguish the Scotch 
character in every part of the world. 

At the age of sixteen he entered the medical 
department of the University of Edinburgh, and 
commenced his professional studies. He was a 
faithful, earnest and industrious student during the 
four years of his university life, and graduated 
with honor, receiving his medical diploma in 1816. 
He was a student in the University during the 
wars of Napoleon, and witnessed the rejoicings and 
illuminations after his defeat and disastrous return 
from Russia. He remembered, and has often de- 
scribed to me, the excitement and enthusiasm with 



63 



which the loyal Scotch people prepared for the 
threatened invasion. In those eventful days Sir 
Walter Scott forgot his lameness, and drilled his 
troopers in broadsword exercise ; President, Lord 
Hope, signed himself Lieutenant-Colonel ; Lord 
Brougham was a private in an artillery regiment, 
with the great Playfair ; Gregory and Sir Charles 
Bell, Jeffrey and Graham, the poet, marked time 
in the same regiment. 

Dr. McNaughton had been three years a student 
at the University when intelligence of the great 
battle of Waterloo, which shook the world, reached 
Edinburgh, and created a most intense excitement 
among professors and students. Sir Charles Bell, 
Dr. McNaughton's favorite teacher, from whom he 
imbibed his fondness for the study of anatomy, was 
then engaged in the delivery of his famous lectures 
on the nervous system. Sir Charles, with several 
of the professors and students, suspended his labors, 
and hastened across the Channel to Brussels, to give 
their professional services to the wounded, suffering 
soldiers who had been pouring out their life's blood 
on that fatal field. 

Sir Charles Bell, writing home from Brussels to 
his colleagues and the medical class, says: "I have 
just seen the wounded French soldiers brought into 
the hospital grounds and laid one hundred in a row, 
bleeding, exhausted, beaten ; some from the battle- 



64 

field, after several days of exposure on the cold 
ground, many racked with pain and spasm, and 
dying in agony. There were 20,000 wounded in 
the city of Brussels who required care and attend- 
ance. The wounds of a great many had not been 
dressed when I arrived, and after I had been here 
five days, constantly working among the wounded, 
they were still bringing others from the woods into 
which they had crawled for shelter. The scenes 
during the day and night were heart-rending, in- 
tolerable. No words can convey the picture of 
human misery continually before our eyes. The 
amputating knife was in my hand from six in the 
morning until ten in the evening, to the second and 
third day after my arrival. While I was ampu- 
tating one man's thigh, fifteen were lying around 
me beseeching to be attended to next. My clothes 
were stiff with blood, and my arm sometimes 
powerless from using the knife." 

These letters were read, in the lecture-room, to 
the class of which Dr. McNaughton was a member. 
After his graduation from the University, Dr. Mc- 
Naughton remained in Edinburgh during most of 
the following year, following the lectures of Bell, 
Abercrombie, Gregory, Hamilton and others, with 
a view of entering the service of Great Britain as 
surgeon in the navy. There had been a great 
demand for naval surgeons during the wars on the 



65 

Continent, but the fall of Napoleon — which secured 
the peace of the world for nearly half a century — 
defeated the object of his ambition, and turned his 
thoughts towards America. He had a brother who 
was naval surgeon of an English frigate at Halifax, 
which had some influence probably on his future 
plans. He had an opportunity to enter the naval 
service in the Columbian, South American, fleet 
under the command of a friend of the family, 
Admiral Sir G. MacGregor, but his attention was 
fixed on the United States. 

•ii. «J£. JA. -JA- J£- M, 4A, -Sf, 

"7T W TV* W ST TT W TP 

At the time Dr. McNaughton came to Albany, 
there was a numerous and influential Scotch ele- 
ment in this community, which has done much to 
improve and advance the interests of Albany. Dr. 
McNaughton was soon established in a successful 
and lucrative practice, which continued during the 
fifty-seven years of his residence here. 

The leading physicians of the city at the time of 
his arrival were Drs. Treat, Willard, Eights, Town- 
send, Bay, Wendell and others, some advanced in 
age and none of them particularly desirous of cul- 
tivating surgery. 

Dr. McNaughton, coming from the then most 
celebrated medical institution in the world, was 
soon established as the leading surgeon, in a wide 
region of country. Indeed, no young man of the 

9 



66 

time enjoyed so enviable a position in the profes- 
sion, one so ably and worthily sustained. 

At this period of his history an incident occurred, 
which had an important influence on his future life, 
and opened the way to his long-continued, faithful 
service as a teacher of medicine. I have often 
heard him speak of this incident as a turning point 
in his life. 

For several years during and after our last war 
with Great Britain, Albany was an important 
military post. At the time to which I refer, Col. 
Birdsall, of the United States army, was in com- 
mand of a regiment stationed here. He was a 
brave and gallant officer, much beloved by our citi- 
zens. One of his men had disobeyed orders and 
was reprimanded by the Colonel, with the severity 
and justice necessary for strict military discipline. 
The soldier swore revenge, and watching an oppor- 
tunity when the Colonel was passing alone, shot 
him through the heart. 

This murder caused intense excitement in the 
city. The murderer was promptly tried and con- 
demned to death and his body surrendered to the 
medical men of the city for dissection. At a meet- 
ing of physicians, it was decided that the dissec- 
tions should be public and that six of the leading 
medical men of Albany should in turn conduct the 
demonstrations, which were held in the large hall 



67 

of the county jail, now the male ward of our city 
hospital. 

Dr. McNaughton, a new-comer, fresh from the 
University of Edinburgh, was invited to commence 
the dissections. His pleasing address, impressive 
manner and evident familiarity with the subject 
of anatomy commanded the admiration of all, and 
it was decided by his associates that he should con- 
tinue daily with the dissections until they were 
completed. This fortunate introduction to public 
notice gave Dr. McNaughton a high rank at once 
among the young physicians of the city. He has 
often said to me, " I think I owe to this fortunate 
circumstance in my life, my nomination to the 
chair of Anatomy and Physiology in the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons at Fairfield, and my sub- 
sequent career as a teacher of medicine." 

The Medical College at Fairfield was established 
in 1812. It was an obscure town of Herkimer 
county, seventy -five miles west of Albany. There 
was no medical school north or west of it in the 
northern States of America, and but five other med- 
ical institutions in the country ; those at Philadel- 
phia, New York, Boston, Dartmouth and Baltimore. 

The war with Great Britain, then raging on the 
frontier, had created a great demand for army sur- 
geons. The country west of the Hudson river was 
new, undeveloped, and its inhabitants too poor to 



68 

send their sons to Philadelphia, New York or Boston, 
for a medical education. 

There was a small literary academy at Fairfield, 
of which Dr. Hadley was a professor. Dr. Wil- 
loughby, a well educated practitioner of medicine, 
was also located at Fairfield, and had a wide repu- 
tation as a physician. These gentlemen conceived 
the idea of a medical college in that far-off western 
town. They applied to the Legislature for aid to 
the enterprise, and the sum of $15,000 was imme- 
diately granted as a foundation. 

The first faculty was organized by the Board of 
Regents of the New York State University, which 
body then controlled all the educational institutions 
of our State. Dr. Hadley was appointed Professor 
of Chemistry and Materia Medica, Dr. T. R. Beck 
Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, 
Dr. Delamatee of Surgery, Dr. White of Anatomy 
and Physiology, and Dr. Willoughby of Obstetrics 
and Diseases of Women and Children. This new 
institution grew rapidly in popular favor, and soon 
outnumbered the more favored schools of the large 
cities. Hospitals and clinical teaching were then 
almost unknown. 

When Dr. McNaughton was appointed Professor 
of Anatomy and Physiology in the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons at Fairfield, the classes num- 
bered about one hundred students, and during the 



69 

twenty years of his connection with it had in- 
creased to two hundred and seventeen. This was 
the largest medical school in the country except 
the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. 
Dr. McNaughton had been three years in practice 
in Albany, when he received the appointment to 
Fairfield, and was but twenty-four years of age. 

After the establishment of the Albany Medical 
College, and another at Geneva, it became evident 
that the wants of the profession and the community 
did not require three medical schools so near to- 
gether. In 1840 the College at Fairfield w\as dis- 
continued, and Drs. McNaughton and Beck accepted 
appointments in this institution. The College at 
Fairfield, during the connection with it of Drs. 
McNaughton and Beck, graduated nearly six hun- 
dred young physicians, while its classes numbered 
in the aggregate nearly three thousand students. 

-J4. -i£- -i£» .AZ, -it- «i£- SL> 

-7P- -Tf- -Tf- -tF W -TV- ^ 

In 1824 Dr. McNaughton made his first visit to 
Europe, having then resided in this country seven 
years. He traveled quite extensively on the Con- 
tinent, and visited the principal hospital establish- 
ments and medical schools of Europe. He stated 
in his diary, which is full of interest, that his chief 
object in traveling was to learn what was new in 
the schools, with a view of improving his course of 
instruction at Fairfield. He spoke feelingly of the 



70 

changes that had taken place during his long ab- 
sence of seven years from his native country. His 
second visit to Europe was twenty-eight years later. 
It is now over fifty years since the date of this first 
diary, from which I will quote : "I came to this 
country in 1817, and after seven years' residence in 
Albany — during three of which I was Professor at 
Fairfield — I sailed on the first day of January, 1824, 
for Liverpool. I arrived on the twenty-third, and 
spent the next eight months in the cities of Lon- 
don, Paris and Edinburgh. My object was medical 
improvement ; having been long enough engaged 
in practice and teaching to become fully aware of 
my imperfect qualifications for properly performing 
the duties of either. Professional improvement 
being my object, traveling for pleasure and sight- 
seeing occupied but little of my time. 

" In London, February 20th, called on Sir James 
McIntosh and Sir Astley Cooper, and visited the 
museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. I was 
much instructed by the curator, Mr. Cliff, who 
went over the collection with me, explaining the 
various preparations. Next day I dined with the 
Medico-Chirurgical Society, and had an opportu- 
nity of seeing the most celebrated medical men of 
London. I visited the museum of Sir Charles Bell, 
and heard Dr. Shaw lecture on the brain." 

During Dr. McNaughton's second visit to Europe, 



71 

in 1852, he went over nearly the same ground, 
traveling somewhat more extensively on the Con- 
tinent. Of Paris, he says : " I visited the hospital, 
' La Charite,' and saw Andral, Cruveilhier and 
Velpeau. I saw the latter operate for the removal 
of the middle finger, at the metacarpal bone. The 
patient was put under the influence of chloroform, 
which I never saw more satisfactorily exhibited. 
Velpeau is an unpretending lecturer, clear and plain, 
and by no means graceful. At the ' Hotel Dieu ' 
I saw Boyer, and heard the celebrated Rostan lec- 
ture. He speaks with a great deal of gesture and 
action, often wiping the perspiration from his face. 
The French manner of lecturing I found much as 
at my last visit. The students are neither better 
looking nor better behaved than our classes at 
Albany, and probably are not better taught and do 
not learn more, during a course of lectures. My 
chie r object was to see the new stars in our pro- 
fession, that had arisen during the last quarter of a 
century, and learn what was new in the manage- 
ment of these great institutions. I could not spare 
time to become a pupil, even if I could learn some- 
thing both new and valuable. 

" From Paris I went to Lyons and visited the 
great hospital, the largest in France, and one of 
the largest in Europe. On my return from the 
hospital to my lodgings, I passed a crowd around a 



72 

gentleman who had been taken suddenly ill. He 
was sitting in a chair, and looked very pale. The 
scene called up painful reflections. I thought how 
unfortunate it would be if I were taken sick here, 
a stranger unknown to every one. I hurried to 
my lodgings, thanking God for having dealt so 
kindly with me in my wanderings." 

After visiting Italy, Switzerland and Holland, he 
returned to London and Edinburgh. While in Lon- 
don this time, he says: "I devoted myself to the 
hospitals, Guy's, St. Thomas' and the hospital of 
King's College. Here I made the acquaintance of 
Mr. Ferguson. At these hospitals I saw many 
interesting cases ; among others, the operation of 
tracheotomy, for chronic inflammation of the wind- 
pipe. The patient died on the table under the 
operation. I had never witnessed such an occur- 
rence before, and felt great sympathy for the operat- 
ing surgeon, a young man of intelligence and gentle- 
manly deportment. 

" In Edinburgh I was introduced to Sir George 
Ballingall, the eminent military surgeon, and Mr. 
Syme, one of the best operating surgeons living. 
The Faculty of the University of Edinburgh is 
entirely changed since I was here last. Its present 
members are Christison, Allison, Syme, Simpson, 

Ballingall, Goodsir and others of great celebrity. 

# # # # # # # 



73 

"At Glasgow, to-day, I took up a paper and read, 
' Cholera very severe at Buffalo and Ptochester.' 
I immediately decided to take the next steamer 
home. I could not enjoy more while my family 
and most attached friends were exposed to this 
frightful disease." 

When Dr. McNaughton was appointed Professor 
at Fairfield, he had been only three years in practice 
and had no experience as a teacher. He was a 
young man of twenty-four, and almost a stranger 
in the country ; but he devoted himself with 
untiring industry to the duties of his office, and 
soon became very popular as a teacher. The insti- 
tution increased rapidly, until its classes outnum- 
bered those of any medical school in the country, 
except the University of Pennsylvania. 

From the beginning of Dr. McNaughton's career 
as a teacher at Fairfield, to the close of our last 
lecture term, during a period of fifty-three years, 
he was always at his post of duty when his lecture 
hour arrived ; allowing no private engagement, no 
personal sacrifice, to interfere with his duties in the 
college. His colleagues at Fairfield were equally 
faithful, able and efficient. The fame of the insti- 
tution attracted students from all parts of the State 
and country ; and for many years the Fairfield 
Medical College was one of the most prosperous 

10 



74 

and successful medical institutions in the United 
States. 

Dr. March and Dr. McNaughton were many years 
rivals in surgery ; but they never spoke ill of each 
other, or tried to injure the practice or good name 
of any one. Their rivalry was that of generous and 
honorable minds, of men respecting and honoring 
each other. Their names will always be associated 
in the annals of our city and in the pages of history 
with the great and good men of our profession. 
They recognized the truth of the maxim, that he 
who seeks to degrade a professional brother de- 
grades himself and his profession. 

Some years after Dr. March had established him- 
self in Albany, I came here on a visit to my sis- 
ter, Mrs. March, and it was then I first saw Dr. 
McNaughton. He was pointed out to me as an 
eminent surgeon from Edinburgh, who had been 
some ten years in Albany, and had established a 
great reputation. I thought him the finest looking 
man I had ever seen. Some years later, while I 
was a student, I met him, on business connected 
with a supply of material for dissection, in Fair- 
field and Albany, and was greatly impressed with 
his kind, dignified and obliging manners. 

Dr. McNaughton attended the first public lecture 
I ever delivered in Albany. When he entered the 
lecture-room I felt some embarrassment, but at the 



75 

close he came and paid me a kind compliment on 
the successful completion of my first public effort 
as a teacher. Soon after I commenced practice in 
Albany, I was called to meet Dr. McNaughton in a 
case of strangulated inguinal hernia. I had just 
graduated in medicine ; had never operated, and 
had never seen the operation but once. When 
everything was ready, and the instruments ar- 
ranged, Dr. McNaughton handed me the knife, and 
kindly invited me to perform the operation. I 
declined, of course, saying, "I have never oper- 
ated." He replied: "You must begin some time. 
You understand the anatomy of the parts ; operate, 
and I will assist you." I accepted his generous 
invitation, and this was my first capital operation. 
I have always felt grateful for his confidence and 
■kind consideration at that time. 

When the establishment of a Medical College in 
Albany was undertaken with reasonable prospect 
of success, Dr. McNaughton' s connection with the 
Fairfield College naturally placed him in a position 
of hostility to the enterprise, and he became its 
most formidable opponent. He exercised a power- 
ful influence with the profession of the State and 
with the Legislature. He was the author of many 
able articles against the establishment of the Col- 
lege, which were published in our city papers, and 
created much feeling among the friends and oppo- 



76 

nents of the proposed institution. Those articles 
were all characterized by fairness, and high-toned, 
gentlemanly feeling. 

In the Evening Journal of 1838, was an article 
from which I quote a few paragraphs, which may 
be of interest to illustrate the forethought and 
sagacity of the author : 

" Mr. Editor : It appears that it is in contempla- 
tion to organize a Medical College in this city. I 
am one of the number of those who do not think 
the time has arrived for such an undertaking. But 
our city authorities seem to think otherwise. They 
have granted the Lancaster school building for this 
purpose, for five years, free of rent. We do not 
believe this is calculated to promote the success of 
the enterprise. We perceive defects in the plan, 
sufficient to ensure its entire failure. If the gen- 
tlemen interested desire to see a respectable Medical 
College they must abandon the present plan. An 
institution cannot flourish unless liberally endowed. 
Not only should buildings be granted by the city 
free of rent, but they should be fitted up and fur- 
nished with everything necessary for teaching, 
without any expense to the professors. And funds 
should be provided for a library, museum, labo- 
ratory and apparatus, which should belong to the 
institution. If the citizens of Albany are desirous 
to establish a Medical College here, there is wealth 



77 

and liberality enough to raise fifteen or twenty 
thousand dollars to endow it. The attempt ought 

to be made." 

# # # * # ^ . * 

Our first faculty in this College was composed 
in a great degree of new and untried men, without 
experience as teachers, and with limited reputation 
as practitioners. This resulted in failures and 
changes, inevitable in all new organizations. 

Then, as since, we needed for associates the aid of 
men of strong minds and of established character. 
Dr. McNaughton was a tower of strength in the 
profession as a teacher and practitioner; and Dr. 
Beck was equally celebrated as a teacher, and, as an 
author, had a world-wide reputation. We saw the 
advantage to be expected from securing to the col- 
lege the strength of these great names and invalu- 
able services. We requested three of our most 
prominent citizens to act as a committee on behalf 
of the college, to call on Drs. McNaughton and 
Beck, and confer with them in regard to a union of 
the Fairfield Medical College with this institution. 
These overtures on our part were met with the 
courtesy and frankness to be expected from gentle- 
men of high toned, honorable character. They 
united with us in cordial and hearty cooperation, 
and gave the residue of their lives and public ser- 
vices to the institution of their adoption. 



78 

Dr. McNaughton was twenty years Professor of 
Anatomy and Physiology in the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons at Fairfield, and thirty-three 
years Professor of Theory and Practice of Medi- 
cine in the Albany College. No medical man 
in this or in any other country has ever, I be- 
lieve, lectured so long, so many years, to so 
many successive classes of medical students, with- 
out interruption. During this long period of fifty- 
three years, he has never lost a week of lectures 
from sickness, or from any cause whatever. He 
was always at his desk when his lecture-hour came 
and when his bell sounded to call together the 
students, who always listened with respectful 
attention to their gifted and venerated teacher. 
He was always prompt and punctual to his engage- 
ments of every kind. He used to say: "An hon- 
orable man will always keep his appointments. A 
professor is unworthy to hold a place in a public 
institution, unless he performs the duties pertain- 
ing to the office faithfully and to the best of his 
ability." 

He was one of the best practitioners of medi- 
cine, and one of the best counsellors I have ever 
known. His bold, resolute and fearless mind gave 
him a noble independence in practice. He had a 
happy faculty of securing the confidence, esteem 
and love of his patients. He knew how to soothe 



79 

the troubled and enfeebled minds of the sick, to 
calm the impatience and fretfulness of the suffer- 
ing, and to rouse the courage of the timid or the 
despairing. He was calm, dignified and self-pos- 
sessed. His bearing and personal appearance was 
imposing and attractive. His manners were sim- 
ple, artless and unaffected, characterized by cor- 
diality, courtesy and kindness, which won both 
confidence and regard. 

In his lectures there were no attempts at display 
of eloquence, or even elegance of style. They 
were plain, simple and unadorned. They were 
carefully written and full of instruction. His long 
experience, faithful study, and careful observation, 
gave a value to his instructions which few teachers 
could claim. During the last few years his lec- 
tures had, many of them, been revised and ampli- 
fied, and were listened to with interest and admira- 
tion by all intelligent and unprejudiced minds. 

His precepts and teachings have left their 
impress on the generation and age in which he 
lived, and will be carried and diffused by grateful, 
venerating pupils to every part of the world. 

He died full of years and honors, free from most 
of the infirmities of age. He retained to the last 
the charm of unaffected kindness, courtesy and 
good humor. In his life he illustrated the charac- 
ter of a good citizen, an ardent patriot and devoted 
Christian. 



{From the Transactions of the New York State Medical Society for 1875.) 

OBITUARY NOTICE OF PROF. JAMES 

McNAUGHTON, M.D. 

BY WILLIS G. TUCKER, M.D. 

Dr. James McNaughton, who died suddenly of 
disease of the heart in Paris, France, on the 11th 
June, 1874, left Albany with several members of 
his family, toward the end of the preceding month, 
intending to make an extensive tour on the Con- 
tinent during the summer, and spend the fall in 
Scotland, revisiting the scenes of his childhood and 
early youth. The news of his death came with 
appalling suddenness to his relatives and friends. 
Few there were in the city of Albany, where he 
had lived for fifty-seven years, more widely known 
or more universally respected and beloved. 

Dr. McNaughton was born in Kenmore, Scotland, 
on the 10th of December, 1796. His father, a 
prosperous farmer and manufacturer, gave him the 
advantage of a good early education in the parish 
school. Here he was fitted for the University of 
Edinburgh, the medical department of which he 



81 

entered in 1812, he being then but sixteen years 
of age. 

During the four years of his student life that fol- 
lowed, he devoted himself assiduously to the study 
of his chosen profession, with the intention of 
entering the navy ; his brother being at the time 
engaged in the same. 

The defeat of Napoleon, however, which gave 
peace to Europe, blighted his prospects, and in 
1817 — after graduating from the University — he 
felt, as he subsequently expressed himself, at a loss 
what to do with himself. Feeling that his youth 
would be an impediment to successful practice in 
his own country, and having, besides, some desire 
to see a little more of the world before settling for 
life, he yielded to the solicitations of a large body 
of emigrants, about starting from his own country 
and parish, to go with them to America. The cap- 
tain of the vessel in which they were to sail, offered 
him the position of surgeon, with the privilege of 
returning if he felt disposed so to do in the fall. 
This was an opportunity not to be lost ; the offer 
was gladly accepted, and the party left Greenock 
on the 28th of May, arriving at Quebec, after a 
stormy passage and a narrow escape from ship- 
wreck, on the 16th of July, 1817. 

With no intention of remaining in this country, 
he hurried to Albany for the purpose of visiting 

11 



82 

some relations in Montgomery county, In Albany 
there was no one he had ever seen, and only one 
person of whom he had ever heard. To him, the 
late Archibald McIntyre (at that time, and for 
fifteen years, Comptroller of the State, the longest 
time the office has ever been filled by one man), he 
had a letter of introduction, and upon him he called. 
Mr. McIntyre received him with all the cordiality 
and kindness so characteristic of this distinguished 
man, urging him to make Albany his home, and 
assuring him, in case he should decide to do so, of 
his assistance and support. 

This, after some deliberation, he consented to 
do, and he probably never regretted his decision. 
He soon acquired an extensive practice, and entered 
upon a career of eminent usefulness, which con- 
tinued through a period of fifty-seven years. 

Many of the leading physicians in Albany at that 
time were considerably advanced in age, and as 
none of them were especially desirous of cultivating 
the practice of surgery — to which he aspired — Dr. 
McNaughton, coming from one of the most cele- 
brated institutions of the world, soon established 
a reputation as the leading surgeon, not only in 
Albany, but in a wide region of country surround- 
ing it. 

In 1820 Dr. McNaughton was appointed Professor 
of Anatomy and Physiology in the College of Phy- 



83 

sicians and Surgeons of the Western District of 
New York, located at Fairfield, Herkimer count v. 
This institution, established eight years previously, 
was the sixth medical school founded in America. 
During his connection with it the number of stu- 
dents in attendance increased from one hundred to 
over two hundred and thirty. 

In 1839 the Albany Medical College was estab- 
lished, and the succeeding year — the school at Fair- 
field having been discontinued — Dr. McNaughtox 
was called to the chair of Theory and Practice of 
Medicine, in the Albany College. This position he 
continued to hold up to the time of his death, dis- 
charging the duties incumbent upon him with great 
ability and acceptance. 

He was thus for a period of fifty-three years a 
public teacher of medicine, and, during the whole 
time, never missed a week of lectures from sick- 
ness or other cause. 

In 1832, when Albany was invaded for the first 
time by Asiatic cholera, Dr. McNaughton was made 
President of the City Board of Health, and took an 
active part in the organization of hospitals for the 
reception of the sick. He was unwearied in his 
attendance upon all who sought his aid, devoting 
his whole time to the discharge of those duties 
which devolved upon him during the fearful rav- 
ages of this dreadful pestilence. It was during this 



84 

epidemic that he published a paper in which were 
embodied his views concerning the treatment of 
this disease. This paper was largely called for, 
and regarded as an authority upon the subject of 
which it treated. 

Dr. McNaughton was twice elected President of 
the Medical Society of the State of New York — he 
served as President of the County Medical Society, 
and as Surgeon-General of the State. He was asso- 
ciated with Drs. March and Armsby in founding 
the City Hospital, and at the time of his death was 
one of the Governors of Union University, Presi- 
dent of the Faculty of the Albany Medical College, 
and of the Staff of the Albany Hospital. He was 
an occasional contributor to medical journals, and 
director or trustee of many monetary and charitable 
institutions. 

As a physician, judged by whatever standard, he 
stood in the first rank ; as a citizen, during a long 
residence in Albany, he identified himself with 
every movement which could further its prosperity 
or increase its growth ; as a philanthropist, he was 
benevolent and a friend to the friendless ; as a pa- 
triot, he gave abundant proof of his love for his 
adopted country ; as a Christian, he was steadfast 
in all his religious duties, and one of the most effi- 
cient members and office-bearers of the church to 
which he belonged. 



85 

In his domestic relations Dr. McNaughton was 
most fortunate. He married the beautiful and ac- 
complished daughter of his early friend and coun- 
sellor, the late Mr. Archibald McIntyre. She still 
survives him, with a large family, who will never 
cease to mourn his loss and cherish his memory. 

Dr. McNaughton died in a foreign country, far 
from the home which he loved so well, but, fortu- 
nately, not alone. He was attended by several 
members of his household — his wife and children- — 
and from their hands he received those kindly 
ministrations which they alone could give. 

In the death of Dr. McNaughton the profession 
has lost one of its most honored and highly es- 
teemed representatives ; his family a kind husband 
and a devoted father ; the city of Albany one of its 
oldest and most respected citizens ; the institution 
with which he was connected its President and 
valued teacher, and the church to which he was 
attached one of its oldest and truest members. To 
all he has bequeathed the memory of an unsullied 
reputation, and the recollection of a well-spent life. 



EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS 



The following extracts are taken from a number 
of letters received by the family. They repre- 
sent, in a measure, the estimation in which Dr. 
McNaughton was held, alike by members of the 
medical profession and other personal friends: 

Letter of Rev. Ray Palmer, D.D. 

A 

Newark, July 6, 1874. 

We were very tenderly affected by the news of your dear 
and honored husband's death, and have only waited till we 
should hear of your arrival to write you. * * * 

As a physician, as a man, and as a steady Christian friend, 
we all loved and venerated the excellent husband and father 
who has been taken from your household — not from your 
hearts, however. In them he will keep his place ; and you 
will not think of him as lost to you, but only, after a long and 
useful life, as having entered into the sweet and holy rest of 
Heaven, there to wait your coming to be with him. 

Meantime, the blessed Lord Jesus will be with you, is 
already with you in your sorrow, for your support and com- 
fort. We shall daily pray that you may have the richest 
proofs of His faithfulness and love, and may be able to say, 
heartily : " He hath done all things well." 

In submissive trust lie our greatest support and rest in sor- 
row such as this. * . * * * * * * 

Very affectionately yours, 

Ray Palmer. 



87 



Letter from Rev. William B. Sprague, D.D. 

Flushing, L. I., July 25, 1874. 
Though the lameness of my hand almost prevents my hold- 
ing a pen, I cannot do less than assure you of my warmest 
sympathy, in view of the heart-rending experience to which 
you have lately been called. Though I cannot claim to have 
been specially intimate with your departed husband, it was 
impossible to live in the same community with him without 
being deeply impressed by his exalted virtues and his pure 
and blameless life. When I heard of the circumstances of his 
death my first impression was that they must have greatly 
aggravated your affliction ; but when I came to reflect, I saw 
that he was saved from the bitterness of dying, and that death 
with him was but a single step to Heaven. You will, of course, 
bear in mind that the same Being who has afflicted you by 
the removal of your husband, has continued him to you for 
many years, rendering your union a source of mutual comfort 
and blessing to both of you. And you can anticipate the time, 
as not far distant, when you will meet again, without the 
prospect of a separation. What remains for you then, but to 
be quiet and submissive and even grateful — grateful for the 
sweet hope you cherish that your dear husband has already 
entered into rest. * * * * * * * 

Affectionately yours, 

W. B. Sprague. 

Letter from Rev. R. W. Clark, D.D. 

The Rev. Dr. Rufus W. Clark wrote to Dr. J. H. 
Armsby, President of the Albany Medical College, 
the following interesting letter : 

Albany, September 1st, 1874. 

My Dear Sir: It affords me pleasure to give you, at your 
request, my impressions of the late Dr. McNaughton, who 
was my neighbor for the twelve years preceding his death. 



88 

On coming to this city I had scarcely become settled in my 
new home, when Dr. and Mrs. McNaughton called and ex- 
tended a greeting to me and my family so hearty and cordial 
that it deeply impressed me. There was in his words and 
manner a mingling of kindness, sincerity, and indications 
of a noble character that at once drew me to his heart. 
Subsequent interviews strengthened the feelings thus first 
awakened, and the more intimately I became acquainted with 
him, the greater was my esteem for his virtues, admiration for 
his character, and sense of the value of his friendship. 

Dr. McNaughton was not only an eminent teacher and 
practitioner in the medical profession, not only distinguished 
for his high integrity and lofty aims, through a career of 
almost unparalleled usefulness, but he was a Christian gentle- 
man. His mere presence was a source of happiness to others. 
His manners, his mode of addressing one, as well as his 
thoughts and sentiments, shed benedictions upon those around 
him. It seemed to require no effort for him to be kind, or to 
be interested in the welfare of those who approached him for 
counsel or social intercourse. Benevolence flowed from his 
heart as naturally as knowledge flowed from his lips. He 
possessed that rare combination of gifts and virtues that in- 
spired confidence in his friendship and made him welcome in 
every social circle. The families under his medical care soon 
learned to revere and love him, and many a tear was shed 
when the tidings reached our city that the venerable and good 
physician was no more. 

On parting with him at his home the day he left for Europe, 
I felt that I might never again meet him on earth ; and a 
member of my family remarked, he will never return to this 
country. But we knew that he was fully prepared for a 
better country, even an heavenly. His life was hid with 
Christ in God. The years he spent on earth were consecrated 
as a preparation for the ages of a blissful immortality. 

It might have been in accordance with his wishes to have 
died in his Albany home, surrounded by his numerous friends. 
Or, if the wide ocean must intervene, it might have been pleas- 
ing to him to have gazed from his native hills of Scotland to 
the celestial heights — to have ascended from the city of his 



89 

birth to the city of the living God. But it mattered not from 
what spot of earth such a man took his departure. Released 
from this lower sphere his course was direct to heaven. The 
gayeties of frivolous Paris could not disturb the foundations 
of his hopes, nor mar the sweet peace that rested upon his soul 
in his closing hours. He had the satisfaction of being minis- 
tered to by his devoted wife and daughters, and ministering 
angels attended his spirit to the realms of the blessed. 

I am glad to learn, my dear sir, that you propose to open 
your course of lectures to the medical students by a eulogy 
upon the illustrious dead. May his mantle fall upon the young 
men whom you address, and may they be inspired, not only 
by his ambition and success in an honorable profession, but 
also by the Christian faith that led him to consecrate all his 
acquisitions upon the altar of religion, and has made his life a 
permanent power for good to mankind. * * * * 

Your true friend and grateful pastor, 

R. W. Clark. 



Letter from Samuel D. Gross, M.D., 

Professor of /Surgery, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia, April 17th, 1875. 

It w T as my intention soon after I heard of the death of your 
distinguished father, last autumn, to write you a note, expres- 
sive of my sympathy at his loss and the sorrow experienced 
by the whole American medical profession by the sad event. 

A great and good man has fallen in our ranks, ripe in years 
and full of honors, an accomplished scholar, a graceful speaker, 
an excellent teacher, a sound practitioner of the healing art, a 
beautiful writer, ."a gentleman of the old school,' 1 unfortu- 
nately now rare in any profession, and a man of lofty princi- 
ples and untarnished, blameless character. What more can 
be said, truthfully said, of any man? He fulfilled the measure 
of his manhood to the fullest extent, and in the most honorable, 
upright manner. In a long career as a public teacher, unex- 
ampled on this Continent, he was always the same high-toned 

12 



90 

gentleman, respected and beloved, alike by his colleagues, his 
pupils, the profession and the public. 

I saw your father for the first time in the autumn of 1827, 
in the office of the late Professor George McClellan, of this 
city, the founder of the Jefferson Medical College. They had 
been previously acquainted with each other, and their greet- 
ings were cordial and even enthusiastic. They were both 
young at that time, and the impression made upon my mind 
on the occasion has never been effaced. I learned afterwards 
that your father, at that time Professor of Anatomy at the 
Fairfield Medical College, had visited Philadelphia on matters 
connected with his chair, in which he desired the aid of the 
then young and rising surgeon. 

My second interview with your father was at Saratoga, 
about eleven years ago. He was then in indifferent health ; 
but, except that he looked somewhat pallid, and walked with 
some difficulty, I saw no evidence of decay. He talked with 
great vigor and animation, and with that intelligence and 
directness so characteristic of a man of high mental culture 
and knowledge of the world. I found him, in fact, a most 
charming and entertaining companion. Every body seemed 
to be in love with him. His tall, manly figure, his handsome 
features, his polished manners, and his graceful bow attracted 
universal attention, and made him the " observed of all 
observers." 

I saw your father for the last time in May, 1872, at the 
meeting of the American Medical Association in this city. He 
was then, apparently, in excellent health, and in fine spirits, 
evidently pleased with himself and his surroundings. On the 
second day, there was a meeting of the Almuni Association 
of the Jefferson Medical College, which he kindly attended, 
and addressed in a short speech, recalling some reminiscences 
of the early days of the school and of some of the members of 
the Faculty, especially of McClellan, of whom he had formed 
a very high opinion as a bold and daring surgeon and a bril- 
liant man. After the exercises were over, he accompanied me 
to my house, to an entertainment given by the Association to 
the friends of the college, and here again he was full of life 
and spirits. I saw him no more. 



91 

The name and character of such a man are a great legacy 
to his children and to his profession. * * * * 

Very truly yours, 

8. D. Gr< ►ss. 

Letter from Frank H. Hamilton, M.D., LL.D., 

Professor of Surgery, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, Neio York. 

New York, May 3d, 1875. 

My association with your father in the Fairfield Medical 
College was brief. I was at that time quite young, and I 
remember with gratitude his many acts of kindness and 
courtesy to me. Although I was permitted to enjoy his per- 
sonal friendship to the close of his long and useful life, we 
lived remote from each other and did not often meet. 

As a teacher of anatomy — and it was only in this depart- 
ment that I ever heard him lecture — Dr. McNaughton was 
without a rival, even to-day, after the lapse of so many years. 
I can truthfully say that I have never listened to a man who 
was at the same time so full, systematic and intelligible. He 
was the complete master of his subject, and never failed to 
inspire in his pupils a spirit of enthusiasm in the department 
he taught, and a profound respect and admiration for him as 
an instructor. 

I remain yours truly, 

Frank H. Hamilton. 

Letter from Willard Parker, M.D., 

Professor of Surgery, College of Physicians and /Surgeons, N( w York, 

New York, May 19*A, 1875. 

It is now nearly half a century, since I first became acquain- 
ted with the name and reputation of Dr. James McNaughton. 
He was at that time Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Western New York. 

A few years later it was my pleasure to make his personal 
acquaintance, and found my expectations fully realized. In 



92 

his manners he was urbane and considerate — a gentleman of 
the old school. He was learned without ostentation, and 
enjoyed a high reputation in the several branches of the pro- 
fession (for this was before the days of specialties). 

He was called to fill many offices of honor and trust, all of 
which he graced. 

Above all, his character was rounded out and perfected by 
a religion that shone in all the acts of his life. 

Willard Parker. 



PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS. 



There are many whose pleasantest recollections 
of Dr. James McNaughton are associated with the 
scenes of domestic and private life. This was a 
marked side of his character. While punctual and 
faithful in the performance of professional duties, 
he could lay them aside and enter with spirit 
into social enjoyments ; and seemed to find pleasure 
in contributing to the happiness of others, by the 
suavity and cheerfulness of his own manners. In 
a remarkable degree he was able to throw off the 
grave and sober moods induced by close attention 
to severe studies and exhausting duties, and to enter 
with zest into the lighter occupations which add 
grace to social intercourse. Dignified and always 
urbane, his manner had that touch of courtesy 
which made all feel at ease in his presence, and 
enabled him to enter heartily into the current of 
conversation, whether grave or humorous. 

He thus was able to enjoy the pleasures of social 
life to an extent unusual for one of his studious 



94 

habits and strict attention to the numerous calls of 
an extensive practice. After a wearying day of 
professional duty, a few hours passed with con- 
genial friends and companions proved to him a 
refreshing relaxation. He was a welcome member 
of any social circle for the pleasure he gave by his 
genial manners, ready wit and varied conversa- 
tional powers. He was also a man of marked hospi- 
tality, and greatly enjoyed the presence of his 
friends in his own house. 

Away from home he was distinguished for a 
happy manner in adapting himself to strangers, 
ever ready to open conversation. In this way he 
added greatly to his pleasure in traveling, and 
formed many valuable acquaintances. He was an 
enthusiastic admirer of the beauties of Nature, 
and especially of scenery of a wild and moun- 
tainous character. He would often describe, with 
great vividness, the different scenes he had visited 
in his travels ; reverting often to the lonely and 
rugged grandeur exhibited in the surroundings of 
his early Highland home. 

In agricultural pursuits he took great pleasure, 
and many of his leisure moments were spent in 
visiting and superintending the management of 
more than one farm which he owned near the city. 
In all business affairs his conduct was marked by 
a punctual attention to details, a sound judgment, 



95 

and the strictest integrity. He had an extreme 
but wise fear of debt; and every account against 
him was promptly settled as soon as rendered. 

In the family circle Dr. McNaughton was most 
thoroughly at home, and revealed those traits of 
tender and loving consideration which make the 
father so beloved. Maintaining the same dignified, 
high-toned demeanor which was so characteristic 
in his professional and social life, but without any 
sternness or coldness, his intercourse with his 
family was marked by great affection and liberality. 
He had the welfare of all deeply at heart, and 
entered sympathetically into the plans and work 
of each member of the family. After the hours 
devoted to study or professional labor had passed, 
he enjoyed keenly the family gathering around the 
table, entering with zest into the conversation, and 
adding much to the general enjoyment. 

These reminiscences would be imperfect without 
some notice of his religious character; and yet the 
spirit of his life would be best illustrated by leav- 
ing that to speak for itself. His faith was unosten- 
tatious, and yet strong and growing. He was not 
profuse in professions of piety, but sought rather 
that his life should be the witness of its sincerity 
and power. He loved and carefully studied the word 
of God, and made its precepts the rule of his daily 
life. The grace of Christian charity particularly 



96 

shone in his character, and increased with years, 
showing itself in his ready forgiveness of injuries, 
and willingness to repay evil with good. Those 
who were permitted to know him most intimately 
were aware not only that the truth of salvation 
through a crucified Saviour grew more and more 
precious to him, but that the consistency of his life 
and the harmonious development of his character 
owed much to the earnestness and simplicity of his 
faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Death came to him suddenly and with little 
suffering ; but we feel that he left us for a better 
world, and that what has been our loss, has been 
his gain. 

" Behold the western evening light ! 

It melts in evening gloom : 
So calmly Christians sink away 

Descending to the tomb. 

But soon the morning's happier light 

Its glory shall restore, 
And eyelids that are closed in death 

Shall wake to close no more." 



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